Cabot Microelectronics Corp – IPO: ‘424B4’ on 4/4/00

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Initial Public Offering (IPO):  Prospectus   —   Rule 424(b)(4)
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 424B4       Cabot Microelectronics                               116    541K 

Document Table of Contents

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                                                Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4)
                                               Registration File No. 333-95093

4,000,000 Shares

[cabot microelectronics logo] 
Common Stock

------------------------

This is an initial public offering of shares of common stock of Cabot 
Microelectronics Corporation. All of the 4,000,000 shares of common stock are   
being sold by Cabot Microelectronics. We expect that substantially all of the   
net proceeds of this offering will be paid to Cabot Corporation, our parent     
corporation, in the form of a dividend.                                         

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the common
stock. Our common stock has been approved for listing on the Nasdaq National    
Market under the symbol "CCMP".                                                 

  Upon completion of this offering, Cabot Corporation will directly own at
least 80% of our outstanding common stock and will continue to control us.      

 SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 TO READ ABOUT FACTORS YOU SHOULD
CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK.                              

------------------------

    NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY OTHER REGULATORY BODY
HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR  
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL   
OFFENSE.                                                                        

------------------------

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                            PER SHARE     TOTAL   
                                                            ---------     -----   
                                                                                  
Initial public offering price..............................  $20.00    $80,000,000
Underwriting discount......................................  $ 1.40    $ 5,600,000
Proceeds, before expenses, to Cabot Microelectronics.......  $18.60    $74,400,000

   The underwriters may, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement,
have the option to purchase up to an additional 600,000 shares from us at the   
initial public offering price less the underwriting discount.                   

------------------------

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares on April 7, 2000.       

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.                                                            

 MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                                        ROBERTSON STEPHENS

------------------------

Prospectus dated April 4, 2000. 

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INSIDE FRONT COVER

OUTSIDE PORTION OF GATEFOLD:                                                    

[Graphical depiction of the role of our CMP products in the microchip           
manufacturing process and the applications in which microchips are used.]       

Our products are an increasingly important part of the microchip manufacturing  
process.                                                                        

Our products play an important part in the manufacture of advanced integrated   
circuit (IC) devices, which have become critical components in a wide variety of
products and applications -- computers, wireless communications,                
telecommunications switches, personal data assistants, internet servers and many
more.                                                                           

While we do not make the electronic products shown above, our CMP slurries play 
a key role in manufacturing the IC devices used in those products.              

LEFT-HAND PAGE OF GATEFOLD:                                                     

[Graphical depiction of cross-sections of IC devices, as taken from a silicon   
wafer, with, and without, the chemical mechanical planarization process.]       

We supply sophisticated polishing slurries that play a critical role in our     
customers' manufacturing processes. Our products enable:                        

  -- IC manufacturers to make smaller, faster and more complex devices and
improve their production processes                              

-- Hard disk drive manufacturers to significantly increase the storage
      capacity and improve the speed and reliability of information exchange

CHEMICAL MECHANICAL PLANARIZATION -                                             

Our polishing slurries are used in a process known as chemical mechanical       
planarization (CMP). Using our slurries, manufacturers planarize, or level and  
smooth, many of the multiple layers that are built upon silicon wafers to       
produce IC devices. CMP is also used to remove excess materials that are        
deposited on layers. Hard disk drive manufacturers use a similar process to     
smooth the surface of the coatings on hard disks before depositing magnetic     
media.                                                                          

RIGHT-HAND PAGE OF GATEFOLD:                                                    

[Graphical depiction of CMP polishing process and example of Epic polishing     
pad.]                                                                           

CMP SLURRY -                                                                    

CMP slurries are liquid compounds composed of high-purity deionized water,      
chemical additives and abrasive agents that chemically interact with the surface
material at an atomic level. Our Semi-Sperse(R) and Lustra(TM) slurries are     
formulated specifically for the particular surface to be polished.              

CMP POLISHING PAD -                                                             

While we have not yet commenced commercial production, our Epic(TM) pads have   
been designed to be used in conjunction with a CMP slurry to optimize the       
polishing process. These pads play a critical role in achieving planarity and in
providing highly consistent and reliable CMP process results.                   

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

You should read the following summary together with the more detailed 
information about our company and common stock and our financial statements and 
the notes to those statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.           

    Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this prospectus to us are to
Cabot Microelectronics, to Cabot Corporation are to Cabot and its subsidiaries  
other than us, and to years are to our fiscal years ended September 30 of the   
year indicated.                                                                 

     Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this prospectus to the number
of outstanding shares of our common stock give effect to an increase in the     
number of our authorized shares of common stock from 5,000 shares to 200,000,000
shares and an 18,989.744 to 1 stock split, both of which will be effected prior 
to the completion of this offering.                                             

    Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes the
underwriters' option to purchase additional shares in this offering will not be 
exercised.                                                                      

OUR BUSINESS

We are the leading supplier of slurries used in chemical mechanical   
planarization, or CMP, a polishing process used in the manufacturing of         
integrated circuit, or IC, devices. CMP is an increasingly important part of the
IC device manufacturing process because it helps manufacturers make smaller,    
faster and more complex IC devices and improves their production efficiency. CMP
slurries are liquids containing abrasives and chemicals that facilitate and     
enhance the CMP polishing process. We believe that our products account for     
approximately 80% of all CMP slurry revenue from IC device manufacturers        
worldwide.                                                                      

    For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, our sales increased 68% over
the prior year to approximately $98.7 million and our net income increased 190% 
over the prior year to approximately $12.3 million. On a pro forma basis, for   
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, our sales would have been             
approximately $97.7 million and our net income would have been approximately    
$7.9 million. For the three months ended December 31, 1999, our sales increased 
68% over the same period in the prior year to approximately $35.0 million and   
our net income increased 142% over the same period in the prior year to         
approximately $5.7 million. On a pro forma basis, for the three months ended    
December 31, 1999, our sales would have been approximately $34.8 million and our
net income would have been approximately $4.7 million. For a discussion of the  
pro forma adjustments, see "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of Income". 

Since the first significant commercial sales of CMP slurries to the   
semiconductor industry in the early 1990s, use of CMP in the production of IC   
devices has grown rapidly. We estimate that sales of CMP slurries have grown at 
an average annual compound rate of 60% since 1997 and increased to a total of   
approximately $120 million for 1999.                                            

  CMP is used in the production of a wide variety of IC devices, including
logic devices, such as microprocessors, and memory chips that store computer    
data. The benefits of CMP become increasingly important to IC device            
manufacturers as the size of the devices shrink and their complexity increases. 
By reducing the size of IC devices, manufacturers increase their throughput, or 
the number of IC devices that they manufacture in a given time period. CMP also 
helps reduce the number of defective or substandard IC devices produced, which  
increases the device yield. Improvements in throughput and yield reduce an IC   
device manufacturer's total production costs. Based on existing technology, we  
believe that CMP is required for the efficient manufacturing of today's advanced
IC devices.                                                                     

   We have developed several different types and generations of slurries for
polishing                                                                       

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the insulating layers of IC devices, historically the most common use of CMP. We
developed and introduced in 1994 a CMP slurry for polishing the tungsten plugs  
used to connect the multiple wiring layers of IC devices. In 1999, sales of CMP 
slurries for polishing insulating layers represented approximately two-thirds of
our total sales and sales of CMP slurries for polishing tungsten plugs          
represented almost all of the balance.                                          

   We have also begun selling new slurries for CMP polishing of the magnetic
heads and the coating on hard disks in hard disk drives. In addition, we        
recently began limited production of CMP polishing pads for customer evaluation 
and qualification.                                                              

INDUSTRY TRENDS 

    The rapid growth of the CMP slurry market has been driven in large part by
the significant growth and technological advances the semiconductor industry has
experienced over the past decade. IC devices have become critical components in 
an increasingly wide variety of products and applications and the use of IC     
devices in these products and applications has grown significantly in recent    
years. According to industry sources, the worldwide semiconductor market as     
measured by total sales grew at an average annual compound rate of 11% in the   
period from 1988 through 1998. We believe that worldwide revenues from the sale 
of CMP slurries to IC device manufacturers grew to approximately $120 million in
1999. Industry surveys project that annual worldwide revenues in this market    
will grow to between approximately $300 and $400 million by 2003.               

STRATEGY

 Our objective is to maximize our profitability and stockholder value by
maintaining and leveraging our leading position in the CMP slurry market. We    
will pursue the following strategies to achieve our objective:                  

- remain the technology leader in CMP slurries;                                 

- build and maintain customer intimacy;                                         

- expand globally;                                                              

- attract and retain top quality personnel;                                     
- maintain top quality products and supply; and                                 

- expand into new applications and products.                                    

RELATIONSHIP WITH CABOT CORPORATION 

  We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Cabot Corporation, a global chemical
manufacturing company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to the transfer to  
us of the assets and liabilities relating to our business, our business was     
operated as a division of Cabot. After this offering, we will continue to be    
controlled by Cabot, which will own at least 80% of the outstanding shares of   
our common stock. As our controlling stockholder, Cabot will be able to approve 
or reject major corporate transactions without the support of any other         
stockholder, including a merger, consolidation or sale of substantially all our 
assets.                                                                         

     Cabot has indicated that, following this offering, it intends to divest its
remaining equity interest in us by means of a distribution to its stockholders  
within six to twelve months after the date of a private letter ruling from the  
IRS confirming that the spin-off is tax-free to Cabot. This transaction is      
sometimes referred to in this prospectus as the spin-off. Cabot may not complete
its divestiture of its remaining equity interest in us in this time frame or at 
all.                                                                            

  We have entered into agreements with Cabot governing various interim and
ongoing relationships between us and Cabot. For a further discussion of these   
agreements, see "Relationships Between Our Company and Cabot Corporation".      

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THE OFFERING

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]
                                                                                                   
Common stock offered by us................... 4,000,000 shares                                     
Common stock to be outstanding after this                                                          
  offering................................... 22,989,744 shares or 23,589,744 shares if the        
                                              underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in 
                                              full. These shares do not include 3,500,000 shares   
                                              reserved for issuance pursuant to options that we may
                                              issue in the future pursuant to our stock option     
                                              plan. In addition, these shares do not include       
                                              475,000 shares available for purchase under our      
                                              employee stock purchase plan.                        
Use of proceeds.............................. We expect that substantially all of the net proceeds 
                                              of this offering will be paid to Cabot in the form of
                                              a dividend. The remainder of the proceeds will be    
                                              used for general working capital purposes.           
Nasdaq symbol................................ CCMP                                                 

----------------------

    We were incorporated in Delaware in October 1999.  Our principal executive
offices are located at 870 North Commons Drive, Aurora, Illinois 60504. Our     
telephone number at that location is (630) 375-6631.                            

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SUMMARY AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA

   The following table presents our summary and pro forma condensed combined
financial data and has been derived from our audited financial statements for   
the fiscal years ended September 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 and from our unaudited 
financial statements for the three months ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, each
of which is included elsewhere in this prospectus, and from our unaudited       
financial statements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1995 and 1996. The
unaudited interim financial information for the three month periods ended       
December 31, 1998 and 1999 has been prepared on the same basis as the annual    
financial statements and includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal    
recurring adjustments, which management considers necessary for the fair        
presentation of that financial information. The unaudited results for interim   
periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other  
interim period or the full year. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of  
operations data give effect to our new fumed metal oxide supply agreement and   
new dispersion services agreement with Cabot, each of which will become         
effective upon completion of this offering, as if they had been in effect since 
October 1, 1998 and do not purport to represent our results of operations for   
any future period. Because we began to operate as a separate division of Cabot  
in July 1995, the statement of operations data for 1995 include only three      
months of activity. As adjusted balance sheet data give effect to the proceeds  
from the sale of 4,000,000 shares of common stock in this offering, the         
dividends to Cabot and the transfer of our business from Cabot to us. The data  
below should be read in conjunction with "Selected Financial Data", "Unaudited  
Pro Forma Combined Statements of Income", "Management's Discussion and Analysis 
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our combined financial    
statements and the notes to our combined financial statements, each of which is 
included elsewhere in this prospectus.                                          

    An income tax benefit was recorded in 1997 as a result of a tax credit for
research and development activities that exceeded our statutory taxes for that  
period.                                                                         

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED     
                                                   YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,                       DECEMBER 31,        
                       THREE MONTHS   ---------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------
                           ENDED                                                  PRO                            PRO  
                       SEPTEMBER 30,                                             FORMA                          FORMA 
                           1995        1996      1997      1998      1999        1999       1998      1999      1999  
                       -------------   ----      ----      ----      ----        -----      ----      ----      ----- 
                                                               (in thousands)                                         
                                                                                                                      
COMBINED STATEMENT OF                                                                                                 
  OPERATIONS DATA:                                                                                                    
Total revenue........     $5,003      $24,334   $35,211   $58,831   $98,690     $97,695    $20,875   $35,046   $34,804
Gross profit.........      1,978       10,987    15,290    29,176    50,799      45,223     10,839    18,858    17,554
Income (loss) before                                                                                                  
  income taxes.......        577       (1,513)      663     6,448    19,076      12,287      3,690     9,048     7,428
Net income (loss)....        355         (866)      708     4,237    12,280       7,910      2,377     5,748     4,719

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                             AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 
                                                             ------------------------
                                                                          PRO FORMA  
                                                              ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED 
                                                              ------     ----------- 
                                                                  (in thousands)     
                                                                                     
COMBINED BALANCE SHEET DATA:                                                         
Cash........................................................ $   103       $18,003   
Working capital.............................................  25,293        42,181   
Total assets................................................  82,986        99,286   
Current liabilities.........................................   7,402         8,415   
Total liabilities...........................................   7,930        24,930   
Division equity.............................................  75,056        74,356   
Total liabilities and division equity.......................  82,986        99,286   

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RISK FACTORS

   You should carefully consider the risks described below before you decide
to buy our common stock. If any of the following risks were to occur, our       
business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer. In that    
event, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all
or part of your investment.                                                     

  This prospectus contains forward-looking statements based on our current
expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our company and our  
industry. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our 
actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these          
forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, as more fully        
described below and elsewhere in this prospectus.                               

RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS

WE HAVE NEVER OPERATED AS A STAND-ALONE ENTITY AND OUR BUSINESS COULD SUFFER IF 
WE FAIL TO DEVELOP THE SYSTEMS AND INFRASTRUCTURE NECESSARY TO SUPPORT OUR      
BUSINESS AS A STAND-ALONE ENTITY                                                

Following this offering, we will operate as a stand-alone entity and, 
accordingly, must develop and implement the systems and infrastructure necessary
to support our current and future business. If we fail to develop these systems 
and infrastructure, our business will suffer. We have been a part of Cabot since
we began developing CMP slurries in 1985. We were organized as a separate       
division of Cabot in July 1995. Cabot has historically provided us with         
operational, financial and other support. Although Cabot will provide us with   
the various interim and ongoing services described in "Relationships Between Our
Company and Cabot Corporation", these arrangements will terminate upon the      
spin-off. After the expiration of these various arrangements, we may not be able
to replace the interim and ongoing services on terms and conditions, including  
costs, as favorable as those that we had as a division of Cabot or pursuant to  
these arrangements. We also may not be able to develop the necessary systems and
infrastructure to operate as a stand-alone entity. Any failure to do so could   
seriously harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.     

BECAUSE OUR HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR   
RESULTS AS A SEPARATE COMPANY, YOU HAVE LIMITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON WHICH  
TO EVALUATE OUR BUSINESS AND YOUR INVESTMENT DECISION                           

  The historical financial information we have included in this prospectus
may not reflect what our results of operations, financial position and cash     
flows would have been had we been a separate, stand-alone entity during the     
periods presented and may not be indicative of what our results of operations,  
financial position and cash flows will be in the future. As a result, you have  
limited information on which to evaluate our business and your investment       
decision. This is because:                                                      

- as a division of Cabot, Cabot provided us with various services and allocated 
expenses for these services to us in amounts that may not have been the same
as the expenses we would have incurred had we performed or acquired these   
services ourselves;                                                         

- we are changing our fumed metal oxide supply and dispersion services          
arrangements with Cabot and the prices that we will pay under our new       
agreements will be higher than the prices we paid in the past; and          

- the information does not reflect other events and changes that will occur as a
result of our separation from Cabot, including the establishment of our     
capital structure, the incurrence of debt and changes in our expenses as a  
result of new employee, tax and other structures and matters.               

WE HAVE A NARROW PRODUCT RANGE AND OUR PRODUCTS MAY BECOME OBSOLETE, OR         
TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES MAY REDUCE OR LIMIT INCREASES IN CMP CONSUMPTION          

    Our business is substantially dependent on a single class of products, CMP
slurries, which accounted for almost all of our revenue in 1999. Our business   
would suffer if these products became obsolete or if consumption of these       
products decreased. Our success depends on our ability to keep pace with        

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technological changes and advances in the semiconductor industry and to adapt   
and improve our products in response to evolving customer needs and industry    
trends. Since its inception the semiconductor industry has experienced rapid    
technological changes and advances in the design, manufacture, performance and  
application of IC devices and these changes and advances are expected to        
continue in the future. One or more developments in the semiconductor industry  
may render our products obsolete or less important to the IC device             
manufacturing process, including:                                               

- increased competition from new or existing producers of CMP slurries,         
including the introduction of new or substitute products;                   

- a shift toward recycling slurries;                                            

- the adoption of a new process to create the wiring in IC devices, known as    
dual damascene, which may reduce the number of CMP steps required to produce
an IC device and which we expect will become predominant in IC device       
manufacturing in the next five to ten years; and                            

- advances in CMP technology that make it possible to perform CMP without a     
slurry.                                                                     

There may also be physical and other limits on the ability of IC device         
manufacturers to continue to shrink the size and increase the density of IC     
devices, which are trends currently driving the growth in CMP. Any of the       
foregoing developments could cause a decline in the CMP slurry market in general
or seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations in
particular.                                                                     

A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF OUR BUSINESS COMES FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF LARGE       
CUSTOMERS AND OUR REVENUE AND PROFITS COULD DECREASE SIGNIFICANTLY IF WE LOST   
ONE OR MORE OF THEM AS CUSTOMERS                                                

Our customer base is concentrated among a limited number of large     
customers. One or more of these principal customers may stop buying CMP slurries
from us or may substantially reduce the quantity of CMP slurries they purchase  
from us. Any cancellation, deferral or significant reduction in CMP slurries    
sold to these principal customers or a significant number of smaller customers  
could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of           
operations.                                                                     

     For 1999, our five largest customers accounted for approximately 58% of our
revenue, with Intel accounting for approximately 22% of our revenue, Marketech  
accounting for approximately 15% of our revenue, and Takasago accounting for    
approximately 10% of our revenue. Marketech and Takasago are distributors. We   
believe that in the same year sales of our products to our five largest end user
customers accounted for approximately 45% of our revenue. For the three months  
ended December 31, 1999, our five largest customers accounted for approximately 
53% of our revenue, with Intel accounting for approximately 14% of our revenue, 
Marketech accounting for approximately 15% of our revenue, and Takasago         
accounting for approximately 11% of our revenue. The decline in the percentage  
of our total revenue attributable to sales to Intel resulted from, among other  
things, Intel's decision to significantly reduce purchases of one type of CMP   
slurry from us. See "Business -- Customers, Sales and Marketing" for more       
information relating to our customers.                                          

IF WE LOSE PENDING OR FUTURE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWSUITS RELATING TO OUR     
BUSINESS, WE COULD BE LIABLE FOR SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES AND LEGAL EXPENSES AND     
COULD BE ENJOINED FROM MANUFACTURING OUR SLURRY PRODUCTS                        

Cabot is currently the subject of two lawsuits against it involving   
infringement claims relating to our business. If Cabot or we were to lose these 
or future lawsuits, we could be liable for significant damages and legal        
expenses and could be enjoined from manufacturing our slurry products. We derive
substantially all of our revenues from slurry products. Although Cabot is the   
only named defendant in these lawsuits, we have agreed to indemnify Cabot for   
any and all losses and expenses arising out of this litigation as well as any   
other litigation arising out of our business.                                   

   In June 1998, Rodel, Inc. commenced a lawsuit against Cabot in the United
States District Court for the District of Delaware                              

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seeking injunctive relief and damages relating to allegations that Cabot is     
infringing a United States patent owned by an affiliate of Rodel that relates to
polishing metal surfaces. In April 1999, Rodel commenced a second lawsuit       
against Cabot in the same court seeking injunctive relief and damages relating  
to allegations that Cabot is infringing two other United States patents owned by
an affiliate of Rodel. Rodel may claim that many of our products infringe its   
patents. The defense of these claims may not be successful. If Rodel wins either
of these cases, we may have to pay damages and, in the future, may be prohibited
from producing any products found to infringe those patents or required to pay  
Rodel royalty and licensing fees with respect to sales of those products. For a 
further description of these lawsuits, see "Business -- Legal Proceedings".     

  In addition, we may be subject to future infringement claims by Rodel or
others with respect to our products and processes. These claims, even if they   
are without merit, could be expensive and time consuming to defend and if we    
were to lose any future infringement claims we could be subject to injunctions, 
damages and/or royalty or licensing agreements. Royalty or licensing agreements,
if required as a result of any pending or future claims, may not be available to
us on acceptable terms or at all.                                               

  Moreover, we have agreed to indemnify one of our major customers for any
losses this customer may incur as a result of intellectual property claims      
brought against it arising out of its purchase or use of our products. For a    
further discussion of this obligation, see "Business -- Legal Proceedings".     

ANY PROBLEM OR INTERRUPTION IN OUR SUPPLY FROM CABOT OF FUMED METAL OXIDES, OUR 
MOST IMPORTANT RAW MATERIALS, COULD DELAY OUR SLURRY PRODUCTION AND ADVERSELY   
AFFECT OUR SALES                                                                

    Fumed metal oxides are the primary raw materials we use in many of our CMP
slurries. Our business would suffer from any problem or interruption in our     
supply of fumed metal oxides.                                                   

  Cabot is currently our exclusive supplier of fumed metal oxides. We have
entered into a fumed metal oxide supply agreement with Cabot, which will be     
effective upon completion of this offering and under which Cabot will continue  
to be our exclusive supplier of fumed metal oxides for our current slurry       
products. We also expect that Cabot will be our primary supplier of fumed metal 
oxides for products that we develop in the future. Our continued supply of fumed
metal oxides from Cabot is subject to a number of risks, including:             

- the destruction of one of Cabot's fumed metal oxides manufacturing facilities,
particularly its Tuscola facility, or its distribution infrastructure;      

- a work stoppage or strike by Cabot employees who manufacture fumed metal      
oxides;                                                                     

- the failure of Cabot to provide fumed metal oxides of the requisite quality   
for production of our various CMP slurries;                                 

- the failure of essential fumed metal oxides manufacturing equipment at a Cabot
plant;                                                                      

- the failure or shortage of supply of raw materials to Cabot; and              

- contractual amendments and disputes with Cabot, including those relating to   
the fumed metal oxide supply agreement.                                     

  Any of these factors could interfere with our ability to produce our CMP
slurries in the quantities and of the quality required by our customers and in  
accordance with their delivery schedules. It may also be difficult to secure    
alternative sources of fumed metal oxides in the event Cabot encounters supply  
problems.                                                                       

   In addition, if we change the supplier or type of fumed metal oxides that
we use to make our CMP slurries or are required to purchase them from a         
different Cabot manufacturing facility, our customers might be forced to        
requalify our CMP slurries for their manufacturing processes and products. The  
requalification process would likely take a significant amount of time to       
complete, during which our sales of CMP slurries to these customers could be    
interrupted or reduced.                                                         

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For a further discussion of the qualification and requalification process for   
CMP slurries, see "Business -- CMP slurries".                                   

    We have also specifically engineered our slurry chemistries with the fumed
metal oxides currently used in the production of our CMP products. A change in  
the fumed metal oxides we use to make our slurry products could require us to   
modify our chemistries. This modification may involve a significant amount of   
time and cost to complete and therefore have an adverse effect on our business  
and sales.                                                                      

OUR BUSINESS COULD BE SERIOUSLY HARMED IF OUR EXISTING OR FUTURE COMPETITORS    
DEVELOP SUPERIOR SLURRY PRODUCTS OR OFFER BETTER PRICING TERMS OR SERVICE, OR IF
ANY OF OUR MAJOR CUSTOMERS DEVELOP IN-HOUSE SLURRY MANUFACTURING CAPABILITY     

   Increased competition from current CMP slurry manufacturers, new entrants
to the CMP slurry market or a decision by any of our major customers to produce 
slurry products in-house could seriously harm our business and results of       
operations. We are aware of only four other manufacturers of CMP slurries       
currently selling significant volumes to IC device manufacturers. Opportunities 
exist for companies with sufficient financial or technological resources to     
emerge as potential competitors by developing their own CMP slurry products.    
Some of our major customers, and some potential customers, currently manufacture
slurries in-house and others have the financial and technological capability to 
do so. The existence or threat of increased competition and in-house production 
could limit or reduce the prices we are able to charge for our slurry products. 
In addition, our competitors may have or obtain intellectual property rights    
which may restrict our ability to market our existing products and/or to        
innovate and develop new products.                                              

OUR INABILITY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL OR TECHNICAL       
EMPLOYEES COULD CAUSE OUR BUSINESS TO SUFFER                                    

  If we fail to recruit and retain the necessary management personnel, our
business and our ability to maintain existing and obtain new customers, develop 
new products and provide acceptable levels of customer service could suffer. The
success of our business is also heavily dependent on the leadership of our key  
management personnel, all of whom are employees-at-will. We have no key man     
insurance on any of our personnel. The loss of any number of our key management 
personnel could harm our business and results of operations.                    

 Our success also depends on our ability to recruit, retain and motivate
technical personnel for our research and development activities. Competition for
qualified personnel, particularly those with significant experience in the CMP  
and IC device industries, is intense, and we may not be able to successfully    
recruit, train or retain these employees. The loss of the services of any key   
technical employee could harm our business generally as well as our ability to  
research and develop new and existing products and to provide technical support 
and service to our customers.                                                   

     After indicating his desire to leave our company in January 2000, Chris Yu,
our former Director of Research and Technology, decided to resign from that     
position but to remain with our company and focus on product development of CMP 
slurries for copper-based applications and technology-based applications for    
customers.                                                                      

BECAUSE WE HAVE LIMITED EXPERIENCE IN MANUFACTURING AND SELLING CMP POLISHING   
PADS AND SLURRIES FOR CMP POLISHING OF THE MAGNETIC HEADS AND THE COATING ON    
HARD DISKS IN HARD DISK DRIVES, EXPANSION OF OUR BUSINESS INTO THESE AREAS AND  
APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE SUCCESSFUL                                              

An element of our strategy is to leverage our current customer        
relationships and technological expertise to expand our business into new       
product areas and applications, including manufacturing CMP polishing pads and  
slurries for CMP polishing of the magnetic heads and the coating on hard disks  
in hard disk drives. We have had limited experience in developing and marketing 
these products, particularly polishing pads, which involve technologies and     
production processes that                                                       

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are new to us. For these reasons, the expansion of our business into these new  
product areas or applications may not be successful. For a more detailed        
discussion of the risks we might encounter in entering the market for polishing 
pads, see "Business -- Polishing Pads".                                         

BECAUSE WE RELY HEAVILY ON OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, OUR FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY 
PROTECT IT COULD SERIOUSLY HARM OUR BUSINESS                                    

Protection of intellectual property is particularly important in our  
industry because CMP slurry manufacturers develop complex and technical formulas
for CMP slurries which are proprietary in nature and differentiate their        
products from those of competitors. Our intellectual property is important to   
our success and ability to compete. We attempt to protect our intellectual      
property rights through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade 
secret laws, as well as employee and third-party nondisclosure and assignment   
agreements. Our failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of our        
intellectual property rights for any reason could seriously harm our business.  

  Policing the unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult,
and the steps we have taken may not detect or prevent the misappropriation or   
unauthorized use of our technologies. In addition, other parties may            
independently develop or otherwise acquire the same or substantially equivalent 
technologies to ours.                                                           

WE ARE SUBJECT TO SOME RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR FOREIGN OPERATIONS             

   We currently have operations and a large customer base outside the United
States. For 1999, approximately 46% of our revenue was generated by sales to    
customers outside the United States. For the three months ended December 31,    
1999, approximately 50% of our revenue was generated by sales to customers      
outside the United States. We encounter potential risks in doing business in    
foreign countries, including:                                                   

- the difficulty of enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through some
foreign legal systems;                                                      

- foreign customers may have longer payment cycles than customers in the United 
States;                                                                     

- tax rates in some foreign countries may exceed those of the United States and 
 foreign earnings may be subject to withholding requirements or the imposition
of tariffs, exchange controls or other restrictions;                        

- general economic and political conditions in the countries where we operate   
may have an adverse effect on our operations in those countries;            

- the difficulties associated with managing a large organization spread         
throughout various countries; and                                           

- the potential difficulty in enforcing intellectual property rights in some    
foreign countries.                                                          

As we continue to expand our business globally, our success will depend, in     
part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks.

EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS         

As a result of our international operations, we expect to generate an 
increasing portion of our revenue and incur a significant portion of our        
expenses in currencies other than U.S. dollars. To the extent we are unable to  
match revenue received in foreign currencies with costs paid in the same        
currency, exchange rate fluctuations in any foreign currency could have a       
negative impact on our financial condition or results of operations.            

    The financial condition and results of operations of some of our operating
entities are reported in various foreign currencies and then translated into    
U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rate for inclusion in our consolidated  
financial statements. As a result, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against these
foreign currencies will have a negative impact on our reported revenue and      
operating profits. For information about the impact of foreign currency         
translation on our financial condition, see "Management's Discussion and        
Analysis of Financial Condition and Re-                                         

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sults of Operations -- Effect of Currency                                       
Exchange Rates and Exchange Rate Risk Management" and "-- Market Risk and       
Sensitivity Analysis".                                                          

OUR ABILITY TO RAISE CAPITAL IN THE FUTURE MAY BE LIMITED AND THIS MAY LIMIT OUR
ABILITY TO EXPAND OUR BUSINESS AND IMPROVE OUR TECHNOLOGY                       

   We plan to expand our business and continue to improve our technology. To
do so we may be required to raise additional funds in the future through public 
or private equity or debt financing, strategic relationships or other           
arrangements. Financing may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all, and
our failure to raise capital when needed could negatively impact our financial  
condition or results of operations. Because we have agreed with Cabot that we   
will not issue any securities if doing so would reduce Cabot's ownership of us  
to less than 80.5% prior to the spin-off, our ability to raise capital through  
further sales of equity securities is limited until the spin-off occurs.        
Additional equity financing may be dilutive to the holders of our common stock  
and debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants. For a      
discussion of our liquidity and capital resources, see "Management's Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and  
Capital Resources".                                                             

RISKS RELATING TO OUR SEPARATION FROM CABOT 

WE WILL BE CONTROLLED BY CABOT AS LONG AS IT OWNS A MAJORITY OF OUR COMMON STOCK
AND OUR OTHER STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE UNABLE TO AFFECT THE OUTCOME OF STOCKHOLDER  
VOTING DURING THAT TIME                                                         

After the completion of this offering, Cabot will beneficially own    
approximately 82.6% of our outstanding shares of common stock, or 80.5% if the  
underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full. Under the initial    
public offering and distribution agreement, Cabot will have the right to        
maintain an 80.5% ownership of our common stock until the spin-off. As long as  
Cabot owns a majority of our outstanding common stock, Cabot will continue to be
able to elect our entire board of directors and generally to determine the      
outcome of all corporate actions requiring stockholder approval. As a result,   
Cabot will be in a position to continue to control all matters affecting our    
company. For a discussion of these matters, see "Relationships between Our      
Company and Cabot Corporation -- Cabot as Our Controlling Stockholder".         

     Cabot has indicated that it intends to divest its remaining equity interest
in us within six to twelve months after the date of a private letter ruling from
the IRS confirming that the spin-off is tax-free to Cabot. However, Cabot may   
not complete a divestiture of its remaining equity interest in us in this time  
frame or at all.                                                                

A NUMBER OF OUR DIRECTORS MAY HAVE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BECAUSE THEY ARE ALSO  
DIRECTORS OR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF CABOT OR OWN CABOT STOCK                     

     Three members of our board of directors are directors or executive officers
of Cabot. Our directors who are also directors or executive officers of Cabot   
will have obligations to both companies and may have conflicts of interest with 
respect to matters involving or affecting us, such as acquisitions and other    
corporate opportunities that may be suitable for both us and Cabot. In addition,
after this offering and the spin-off, a number of our directors and executive   
officers will continue to own Cabot stock and options on Cabot stock they       
acquired as employees of Cabot. This ownership could create, or appear to       
create, potential conflicts of interest when these directors and officers are   
faced with decisions that could have different implications for our company and 
Cabot. While there will be provisions in our certificate of incorporation       
designed to resolve these conflicts in a manner that is fair to both us and     
Cabot, these conflicts may not ultimately be resolved in a fair manner to both  
parties. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Corporate Opportunities".         

WE MAY HAVE CONFLICTS WITH CABOT WITH RESPECT TO OUR PAST AND ONGOING           
RELATIONSHIPS                                                                   

     We may have conflicts with Cabot after this offering that we cannot resolve
and, even                                                                       

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if we are able to do so, the resolution of these conflicts may not be as        
favorable as if we were dealing with an unaffiliated party. Upon the completion 
of this offering, Cabot will continue to be our exclusive supplier of fumed     
metal oxides for our existing slurries under a fumed metal oxide supply         
agreement between Cabot and our company. While we are not required to do so     
under the terms of that agreement, we expect we also will purchase from Cabot   
most of the fumed metal oxides we require for any new slurries we develop.      
Furthermore, we currently have and, after this offering and the spin-off will   
continue to have, contractual arrangements with Cabot requiring Cabot and its   
affiliates to provide us with various interim, ongoing and other services. As a 
result, conflicts of interest may arise between Cabot and us in a number of     
areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships, including:                

- the terms of our fumed metal oxide supply agreement and other interim and     
ongoing agreements with Cabot;                                              

- Cabot's ability to control our management and affairs;                        

- the nature, quality and pricing of transitional services Cabot has agreed to  
provide us;                                                                 

- business opportunities that may be attractive to both Cabot and us;           

- litigation, labor, tax, employee benefit and other matters arising from our   
separation from Cabot;                                                      

- the incurrence of debt and major business combinations by us; and             

- sales or distributions by Cabot of all or any portion of its ownership        
interest in us.                                                             

   In addition, the contractual agreements we have with Cabot may be amended
from time to time upon agreement between the parties and, as long as Cabot is   
our controlling stockholder, it will have the ability to require us to agree to 
any such amendments. These agreements were made in the context of an affiliated 
relationship and were negotiated in the overall context of our separation from  
Cabot. The prices and other terms under these agreements may be less favorable  
to us than what we could have obtained in arm's-length negotiations with        
unaffiliated third parties for similar services or under similar leases. It is  
particularly difficult to assess whether the price for fumed metal oxides       
provided for under our fumed metal oxide supply agreement with Cabot is the same
as or different than the price we could have obtained in arm's-length           
negotiations with an unaffiliated third party in light of the long-term nature  
of the contract, the volumes provided for under the agreement and our particular
quality requirements. For more information about these arrangements, see        
"Business -- Cabot as Our Raw Materials Supplier", -- Dispersions Services      
Agreement with Cabot" and "Relationships Between Our Company and Cabot          
Corporation".                                                                   

WE FACE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BEING A MEMBER OF CABOT'S CONSOLIDATED GROUP FOR  
FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES                                                     

For so long as Cabot continues to own 80% of the vote and value of our
capital stock, we will be included in Cabot's consolidated group for federal    
income tax purposes. Under a tax sharing agreement with Cabot that will become  
effective upon completion of this offering, we will pay Cabot the amount of     
federal, state and local income taxes that we would be required to pay to the   
relevant taxing authorities if we were a separate taxpayer not included in      
Cabot's consolidated or combined returns. In addition, by virtue of its         
controlling ownership and the tax sharing agreement, Cabot will effectively     
control substantially all of our tax decisions. Under the tax sharing agreement,
Cabot will have sole authority to respond to and conduct all tax proceedings    
including tax audits relating to Cabot's consolidated or combined income tax    
returns in which we are included. Moreover, notwithstanding the tax sharing     
agreement, federal law provides that each member of a consolidated group is     
liable for the group's entire tax obligation. Thus, to the extent Cabot or other
members of the group fail to make any federal income tax payments required of   
them by law, we could be liable for the shortfall. Similar principles may apply 
for state income tax purposes in many states.                                   

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IF THE ANTICIPATED SPIN-OFF IS NOT TAX-FREE, WE COULD BE LIABLE TO CABOT FOR THE
RESULTING TAXES                                                                 

 As described above under "Prospectus Summary -- Relationship with Cabot
Corporation", we will, after this offering, continue to be controlled by Cabot  
and Cabot intends to divest itself of its remaining equity interest in us by    
means of a tax-free spin-off. We will agree to indemnify Cabot in the event that
the spin-off is not tax-free to Cabot as a result of various actions taken by or
with respect to us or our failure to take various actions, all as to be set     
forth in our tax sharing agreement with Cabot. We may not be able to control    
some of the events that could trigger this liability. In particular, any        
acquisition of us by a third party within two years of the spin-off could result
in the spin-off becoming a taxable transaction and give rise to our obligation  
to indemnify Cabot for any resulting tax liability. For a discussion of the     
other actions which could give rise to our obligation to indemnify Cabot if the 
spin-off is not tax-free to Cabot, see "Relationships Between Our Company and   
Cabot Corporation -- Tax Sharing Agreement".                                    

RISKS RELATING TO THIS OFFERING 

SINCE OUR COMMON STOCK HAS NOT TRADED PUBLICLY, THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING     
PRICE MAY NOT BE INDICATIVE OF THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK AFTER THIS  
OFFERING, AND THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK MAY FLUCTUATE WIDELY AND     
RAPIDLY                                                                         

 There is currently no public market for our common stock, and an active
trading market may not develop or be sustained after this offering. The initial 
public offering price has been determined through negotiation between us and    
representatives of the underwriters and may not be indicative of the market     
price for our common stock after this offering.                                 

 The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly as a
result of:                                                                      

- economic and stock market conditions generally and specifically as they may   
impact participants in the semiconductor industry;                          

- changes in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts     
following our stock;                                                        

- earnings and other announcements by, and changes in market evaluations of,    
participants in the semiconductor industry;                                 

- changes in business or regulatory conditions affecting participants in the    
semiconductor industry;                                                     

- announcements or implementation by us or our competitors of technological     
innovations or new products; and                                            

- trading volume of our common stock.                                           

    The securities of many companies have experienced extreme price and volume
fluctuations in recent years, often unrelated to the companies' operating       
performance. Specifically, market prices for securities of technology related   
companies have frequently reached elevated levels, often following their initial
public offerings. These levels may not be sustainable and may not bear any      
relationship to these companies' operating performances. If the market price of 
our common stock reaches an elevated level following this offering, it may      
materially and rapidly decline. In the past, following periods of volatility in 
the market price of a company's securities, stockholders have often instituted  
securities class action litigation against the company. If we were involved in a
class action suit, it could divert the attention of senior management, and, if  
adversely determined, have a negative impact on our business, results of        
operations and financial condition.                                             

THE ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE SALE OF OUR SHARES BY CABOT, WHICH WILL OWN MORE THAN 80%
OF OUR OUTSTANDING SHARES, COULD DEPRESS OR REDUCE THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR      
COMMON STOCK OR CAUSE OUR SHARES TO TRADE BELOW THE PRICES AT WHICH THEY WOULD  
OTHERWISE TRADE                                                                 

   The market price of our common stock could drop as a result of sales of a
large number of shares of our common stock in the market after this offering or 
the perception that these sales could occur. These factors also could make it   
more difficult for us to raise funds through future offerings of our common     
stock.                                                                          

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  Upon the completion of this offering, there will be 22,989,744 shares of
our common stock outstanding, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their   
option to purchase additional shares from us. Based on the same assumption,     
after this offering Cabot will beneficially own 82.6% of our outstanding common 
stock. The shares of our common stock sold in this offering will be freely      
tradable without restriction, except for any shares acquired by an affiliate of 
our company (which can be sold under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, subject 
to various volume and other limitations). Cabot is not obligated to retain these
shares, except that subject to limited exceptions, it has agreed not to sell or 
otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock for 180 days after the          
completion of this offering without the written consent of the underwriters.    
After the expiration of this 180 day period, Cabot could dispose of its shares  
of our common stock through a public offering, spin-off or other transaction and
has indicated its intention to do so through a spin-off.                        

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS UNDER OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS, OUR 
RIGHTS PLAN AND DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE PRICE 
OF OUR COMMON STOCK, DISCOURAGE THIRD PARTIES FROM MAKING A BID FOR OUR COMPANY 
OR REDUCE ANY PREMIUMS PAID TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS FOR THEIR COMMON STOCK          

Amendments we intend to make to our certificate of incorporation, our 
bylaws, our rights plan and various provisions of the Delaware General          
Corporation Law may make it more difficult to effect a change in control of our 
company. These amendments, our bylaws, our rights plan and the various          
provisions of Delaware General Corporation Law may adversely affect the price of
our common stock, discourage third parties from making a bid for our company or 
reduce any premiums paid to our stockholders for their common stock. For        
example, we intend to amend our certificate of incorporation to authorize our   
board of directors to issue up to 20 million shares of blank check preferred    
stock and to attach special rights and preferences to this preferred stock. The 
issuance of this preferred stock may make it more difficult for a third party to
acquire control of us. We also intend to amend our certificate of incorporation 
to provide for the division of our board of directors into three classes as     
nearly equal in size as possible with staggered three-year terms. This          
classification of our board of directors could have the effect of making it more
difficult for a third party to acquire our company, or of discouraging a third  
party from acquiring control of our company. In addition, the rights issued to  
our stockholders under our rights plan may make it more difficult or expensive  
for another person or entity to acquire control of us without the consent of our
board of directors. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Preferred Stock",      
"-- Anti-takeover Effects of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and    
Provisions of Delaware Law" and "-- Rights Plan" for a more complete description
of our capital stock, our certificate of incorporation, our rights plan and the 
effects of the Delaware General Corporation Law that could hinder a third       
party's attempts to acquire control of us.                                      

INVESTORS IN THIS OFFERING WILL EXPERIENCE IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION   

   If you purchase common stock in this offering, you will pay more for your
shares than the amounts paid by Cabot for its shares. As a result, you will     
experience immediate and substantial dilution of approximately $16.93 per share,
representing the difference between the initial public offering price of $20.00 
per share and our net tangible book value per share as of December 31, 1999     
after giving effect to this offering. In addition, you may experience further   
dilution to the extent that shares of our common stock are issued upon the      
exercise of stock options or under our employee stock purchase plan. The shares 
initially issuable under our employee stock purchase plan will be issued at a   
purchase price less than the initial public offering price per share in this    
offering. In addition, some of the stock options we may issue in the future may 
have exercise prices below the initial public offering price. See "Dilution" for
a more complete description of how the value of your investment in our common   
stock will be diluted upon the completion of this offering.                     

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USE OF PROCEEDS 

  We estimate the net proceeds from our sale of 4,000,000 shares of common
stock will be $72.1 million, after deducting the underwriting discount and      
estimated expenses of this offering and of the asset transfer. If the           
underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full, we estimate the net   
proceeds will be $83.3 million.                                                 

   We intend to use substantially all of the net proceeds from this offering
to pay a dividend to Cabot in an amount equal to the lesser of the amount of the
net proceeds and Cabot's tax basis in us as of the completion of this offering. 
Any net proceeds not used for this purpose will be used for general working     
capital purposes. See "Capitalization" for a further discussion of Cabot's tax  
basis in us.                                                                    

DIVIDEND POLICY 

Except for the $17.0 million dividend that we have paid to Cabot using
borrowings under our term credit facility and the dividend that we expect to pay
to Cabot immediately following the completion of this offering, we have never   
declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock. We presently intend to
retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business and do 
not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of      
future cash dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of        
directors after taking into account various factors, including our financial    
condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs and plans for  
expansion.                                                                      

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CAPITALIZATION

    We have borrowed $17.0 million under our new term credit facility and paid
the proceeds of this borrowing to Cabot as a dividend. Under our IPO and        
distribution agreement with Cabot, upon the completion of this offering, we have
agreed not to incur more than $50.0 million of indebtedness so long as Cabot    
owns at least 50% of our outstanding stock. We also intend to pay a $64.3       
million dividend to Cabot at the completion of this offering, which is Cabot's  
estimated tax basis in us as of the completion date.                            

Cabot's estimated tax basis in us was approximately $71.2 million at  
December 31, 1999. This estimated tax basis is expected to increase as a result 
of our earnings and any capital contributions made by Cabot after December 31,  
1999 and decreased by the $17.0 million that we paid to Cabot as a dividend from
borrowings under our term credit facility. After payment of this dividend, Cabot
estimates that its tax basis in us as of the completion date will be            
approximately $64.3 million.                                                    

     The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 1999, our capitalization
on an actual basis and on a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to:      

- our borrowing of $17.0 million under our term credit facility;                

- our payment to Cabot of a cash dividend of $17.0 million from the borrowing   
under our term credit facility;                                             

- our receipt of net proceeds from this offering equal to $72.1 million, which  
is based on the initial public offering price of $20.00 per share, estimated
underwriting discounts and expenses of $7.9 million and the assumption that 
the underwriters do not exercise their option to acquire additional shares  
from us;                                                                    

- our payment to Cabot of a cash dividend of $54.2 million, which represents    
Cabot's estimated tax basis in us at December 31, 1999 ($71.2 million) minus
 the $17.0 million dividend we paid to Cabot from the borrowing under our term
credit facility; and                                                        

- the retention by Cabot of the fumed alumina plant in Tuscola, Illinois and the
land and building at Cabot's dispersions facility in Barry, Wales (the total
value of all of these assets was approximately $1.6 million at December 31, 
1999).                                                                      

     The foregoing adjustments are based on Cabot's estimated tax basis in us at
December 31, 1999 of $71.2 million. While we expect that Cabot's estimated tax  
basis in us will increase prior to the completion date of this offering as a    
result of our earnings and any capital contributions made by Cabot after        
December 31, 1999, these earnings and capital contributions will increase our   
division equity by about the same amount. As noted above, Cabot estimates that  
its tax basis in us as of the completion date after payment of the $17.0 million
dividend referred to above will be approximately $64.3 million. If we had used  
this estimated tax basis in the foregoing adjustments, then the amount of the   
second dividend to Cabot would have been $64.3 million, the amount of our       
estimated tax basis (because it is less than the total estimated net proceeds of
this offering).                                                                 

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  This table should be read in conjunction with "Selected Financial Data",
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of     
Operations" and our combined financial statements and the notes to our combined 
financial statements, each of which is included in this prospectus.             

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                             AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 
                                                             ------------------------
                                                                          PRO FORMA  
                                                              ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED 
                                                              ------     ----------- 
                                                                  (in thousands)     
                                                                                     
Total long term debt, less current portion of $1,013........ $    --       $15,987   
Division equity.............................................  75,056        74,356   
                                                             -------       -------   
          Total capitalization.............................. $75,056       $90,343   
                                                             =======       =======   

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DILUTION

     Our net tangible book value as of December 31, 1999 was approximately $71.2
million, or $3.75 per share. Net tangible book value per share is equal to our  
total tangible assets minus our total liabilities divided by the number of      
shares of our common stock outstanding. Assuming we had sold the 4,000,000      
shares of common stock offered by this prospectus at the initial public offering
price of $20.00 per share, and after deducting discounts and commissions and    
estimated offering expenses payable by us and the two dividend payments to Cabot
referred to above under "Capitalization" totaling $71.2 million, our pro forma  
net tangible book value at December 31, 1999 would have been approximately $70.5
million, or $3.07 per share. This represents an immediate decrease in net       
tangible book value of $0.68 per share to Cabot and an immediate dilution of    
$16.93 per share to new investors. Dilution is determined by subtracting net    
tangible book value per share after the offering from the amount of cash paid by
a new investor for a share of common stock. The following table illustrates the 
substantial and immediate per share dilution to new investors:                  

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                                 PER SHARE    
                                                              ----------------
                                                                              
Initial public offering price...............................            $20.00
  Net tangible book value as of December 31, 1999...........  $ 3.75          
  Dividend payments to Cabot................................   (3.75)         
  Increase in pro forma net tangible book value attributable                  
     to new investors.......................................    3.07          
                                                              ------          
Pro forma net tangible book value after this offering.......              3.07
                                                                        ------
Dilution to new investors...................................            $16.93
                                                                        ======

     The following table summarizes as of December 31, 1999 the number of shares
of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us and the   
average price per share paid by Cabot and by new investors at the initial public
offering price of $20.00 per share and without giving effect to the underwriting
discount and assumed offering expenses:                                         

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                 SHARES PURCHASED      TOTAL CONSIDERATION                 
                               ---------------------  ----------------------  AVERAGE PRICE
                                 NUMBER      PERCENT    AMOUNT       PERCENT    PER SHARE  
                                 ------      -------    ------       -------  -------------
                                                                                           
Existing stockholder.......... 18,989,744      82.6%  $ 4,870,000       5.7%     $ 0.26    
New investors.................  4,000,000      17.4    80,000,000      94.3       20.00    
                               ----------     -----   -----------    ------                
  Total....................... 22,989,744     100.0%  $84,870,000     100.0%               
                               ==========     =====   ===========    ======                

   If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, the net
tangible book value per share of common stock as of December 31, 1999 would have
been $3.46 per share, which would result in dilution to the new investors of    
$16.54 per share, and the number of shares held by the new investors will       
increase to 4,600,000, or 19.5% of the total number of shares to be outstanding 
after this offering, and the number of shares held by Cabot will be 18,989,744  
shares, or 80.5% of the total number of shares to be outstanding after this     
offering.                                                                       

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

   The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with,
and are qualified by reference to, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of     
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our combined financial       
statements and the notes to our combined financial statements, each of which is 
included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected financial data presented is 
for the five-year period ended September 30, 1999 and for the three months ended
December 31, 1998 and 1999. The combined statement of operations data for the   
fiscal years ended September 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 and the combined balance   
sheet data as of September 30, 1998 and 1999 are derived from our combined      
financial statements, which have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,    
independent public accountants, and are included elsewhere in this prospectus.  
The combined statement of operations data for the fiscal years ended September  
30, 1995 and 1996 and the combined balance sheet information as of September 30,
1995, 1996 and 1997 are derived from our unaudited combined financial           
statements, which are not included in this prospectus. The combined statement of
operations data for the three months ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 and the   
combined balance sheet information as of December 31, 1999 are derived from our 
unaudited interim combined financial statements, which are included elsewhere in
this prospectus. Because we began to operate as a separate division of Cabot in 
July 1995, the combined statement of operations data for 1995 includes only     
three months of activity.                                                       

The unaudited interim financial information for the three months ended
December 31, 1998 and 1999 has been prepared on the same basis as the annual    
financial statements and includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal    
recurring adjustments, which management considers necessary for the fair        
presentation of that financial information. The unaudited results for interim   
periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other  
interim period or the full year.                                                

Unaudited pro forma net income per share has been calculated using the
18,989,744 shares that will be owned by Cabot at the completion of this offering
and the number of shares that we would have been required to issue to fund a    
dividend to Cabot in an amount equal to Cabot's tax basis in us at each period  
end minus the earnings from that period at an issue price per share equal to    
$18.03, which is the initial public offering price of $20.00 per share less the 
estimated underwriting discounts and offering expenses.                         

    An income tax benefit was recorded in 1997 as a result of a tax credit for
research and development activities that exceeded our statutory taxes for that  
period.                                                                         

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                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                                                                THREE MONTHS   
                                     THREE MONTHS                                                   ENDED      
                                         ENDED             YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,             DECEMBER 31,   
                                     SEPTEMBER 30,  ---------------------------------------   -----------------
                                         1995        1996        1997      1998      1999      1998      1999  
                                     -------------  -------     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                                       (in thousands, except per share data)                   
                                                                                                               
COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS                                                                               
  DATA:                                                                                                        
Revenue -- external................     $4,242      $23,373     $33,851   $56,862   $95,701   $20,325   $34,230
Revenue -- related party...........        761          961       1,360     1,969     2,989       550       816
                                        ------      -------     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Total revenue......................      5,003       24,334      35,211    58,831    98,690    20,875    35,046
                                        ------      -------     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Cost of goods sold -- external.....      2,264       12,386      18,561    27,686    44,902     9,486    15,372
Cost of goods sold -- related                                                                                  
  party............................        761          961       1,360     1,969     2,989       550       816
                                        ------      -------     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Total cost of goods sold...........      3,025       13,347      19,921    29,655    47,891    10,036    16,188
                                        ------      -------     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    Gross profit...................      1,978       10,987      15,290    29,176    50,799    10,839    18,858
Operating expenses:                                                                                            
  Research and development.........         27        6,984       8,411    10,139    14,551     3,445     4,484
  Selling and marketing............        591          674       1,028     3,293     4,572       954     1,250
  General and administrative.......        604        4,122       4,468     8,576    11,880     2,570     3,896
  Amortization of goodwill and                                                                                 
    other intangibles..............        179          720         720       720       720       180       180
                                        ------      -------     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    Total operating expenses.......      1,401       12,500      14,627    22,728    31,723     7,149     9,810
                                        ------      -------     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Income (loss) before income                                                                                    
  taxes............................        577       (1,513)        663     6,448    19,076     3,690     9,048
Provision for (benefit from) income                                                                            
  taxes............................        222         (647)        (45)    2,211     6,796     1,313     3,300
                                        ------      -------     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    Net income (loss)..............     $  355      $  (866)    $   708   $ 4,237   $12,280   $ 2,377   $ 5,748
                                        ======      =======     =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
Unaudited pro forma net income per                                                                             
  share............................                                                 $  0.60             $  0.27
                                                                                    =======             =======
Unaudited pro forma shares                                                                                     
  outstanding......................                                                  20,627              21,678
                                                                                    =======             =======

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                                                         AS OF DECEMBER 31,   
                                                    AS OF SEPTEMBER 30,                -----------------------
                                      -----------------------------------------------                PRO FORMA
                                       1995      1996      1997      1998      1999       1999         1999   
                                       ----      ----      ----      ----      ----       ----       ---------
                                                                   (in thousands)                             
                                                                                                              
COMBINED BALANCE SHEET DATA:                                                                                  
Current assets....................... $ 3,957   $ 5,817   $ 8,781   $15,581   $26,120    $32,695      $32,695 
Property, plant and equipment, net...   4,045    16,797    17,195    24,713    40,031     46,400       44,800 
Other assets.........................   6,928     6,284     5,547     4,837     4,123      3,891        3,891 
                                      -------   -------   -------   -------   -------    -------      ------- 
Total assets......................... $14,930   $28,898   $31,523   $45,131   $70,274    $82,986      $81,386 
                                      =======   =======   =======   =======   =======    =======      ======= 
Current liabilities.................. $   651   $ 2,649   $ 2,980   $ 4,870   $ 7,775    $ 7,402      $78,602 
Long-term liabilities................      61        40       119       233       422        528          528 
                                      -------   -------   -------   -------   -------    -------      ------- 
Total liabilities....................     712     2,689     3,099     5,103     8,197      7,930       79,130 
Division equity......................  14,218    26,209    28,424    40,028    62,077     75,056        2,256 
                                      -------   -------   -------   -------   -------    -------      ------- 
Total liabilities and division                                                                                
  equity............................. $14,930   $28,898   $31,523   $45,131   $70,274    $82,986      $81,386 
                                      =======   =======   =======   =======   =======    =======      ======= 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 

   The following unaudited pro forma combined statements of income have been
prepared to reflect adjustments to our historical results of operations to give 
effect to various transactions as if those transactions had been consummated at 
earlier dates, as described in this prospectus.                                 

  We historically sold various dispersion products to Cabot at our cost of
manufacturing. We have entered into a new dispersion services agreement with    
Cabot, which will become effective upon the completion of this offering, under  
which we will provide dispersion products to Cabot at our cost plus a standard  
margin. Under the new agreement, Cabot will supply us with the fumed metal oxide
raw materials for these dispersions at no cost to us, which will reduce both our
cost of goods sold and revenue for these dispersions. The unaudited pro forma   
combined statements of income have been adjusted to reflect the reduction in    
revenue and related cost of goods sold which would have resulted had the        
dispersion services agreement been in effect for the year ended September 30,   
1999.                                                                           

  We historically purchased fumed metal oxides, critical raw materials for
our slurries, from Cabot at Cabot's budgeted standard cost. We have entered into
a new fumed metal oxide supply agreement with Cabot which will become effective 
upon the completion of this offering under which we will purchase fumed metal   
oxides at a contractually agreed upon price. The agreement provides for fixed   
price increases each year and other price increases if Cabot's cost of producing
fumed metal oxides increases. The unaudited pro forma combined statements of    
income have been adjusted to reflect the additional costs that we would have    
incurred based on the initial contractual price if the fumed metal oxide supply 
agreement had been in effect for the year ended September 30, 1999.             

 The unaudited pro forma combined statements of income should be read in
connection with, and are qualified by reference to, our combined financial      
statements and related notes, as well as "Management's Discussion and Analysis  
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", included elsewhere in this   
prospectus. We believe that the assumptions used provide a reasonable basis for 
presenting the significant effects directly attributable to the transactions    
discussed above. The unaudited pro forma combined statements of income are not  
necessarily indicative of the results that would have been reported had such    
events actually occurred on the dates specified, nor are they indicative of our 
future results.                                                                 

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                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                             FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED       
                                                                 DECEMBER 31, 1999            
                                                      ----------------------------------------
                                                                     PRO FORMA                
                                                      HISTORICAL    ADJUSTMENTS      PRO FORMA
                                                      ----------    -----------      ---------
                                                       (in thousands, except per share data)  
                                                                    (unaudited)               
                                                                                              
Revenue -- external..................................  $34,230        $    --         $34,230 
Revenue -- related party.............................      816           (242)(a)         574 
                                                       -------        -------         ------- 
Total revenue........................................   35,046           (242)         34,804 
                                                       -------        -------         ------- 

Cost of goods sold -- external.......................   15,372          1,388(b)       16,760 
Cost of goods sold -- related party..................      816           (326)(a)         490 
                                                       -------        -------         ------- 
Total cost of goods sold.............................   16,188          1,062          17,250 
                                                       -------        -------         ------- 
     Gross profit....................................   18,858         (1,304)         17,554 
Operating expenses:                                                                           
  Research and development...........................    4,484                          4,484 
  Selling and marketing..............................    1,250                          1,250 
  General and administrative.........................    3,896             --(c)        3,896 
  Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles.....      180                            180 
                                                       -------                        ------- 
     Total operating expenses........................    9,810                          9,810 
                                                       -------        -------         ------- 
Operating income.....................................    9,048         (1,304)          7,744 
Interest expense.....................................       --           (316)(d)        (316)
                                                       -------        -------         ======= 
Income before income taxes...........................    9,048        (1,620)           7,428 
Provision for income taxes...........................    3,300           (591)(e)       2,709 
                                                       -------        -------         ------- 
     Net income......................................  $ 5,748        (1,029)         $ 4,719 
                                                       =======        =======         ======= 
Pro forma net income per share(f)....................  $  0.27                        $  0.22 
                                                       =======                        ======= 
Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding(f).....   21,678                         21,678 
                                                       =======                        ======= 

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                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                 FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999  
                                                ----------------------------------------
                                                               PRO FORMA                
                                                HISTORICAL    ADJUSTMENTS      PRO FORMA
                                                ----------    -----------      ---------
                                                 (in thousands, except per share data)  
                                                              (unaudited)               
                                                                                        
Revenue -- external............................  $95,701       $     --         $95,701 
Revenue -- related party.......................    2,989           (995)(a)       1,994 
                                                 -------       --------         ------- 
Total revenue..................................   98,690           (995)         97,695 
                                                 -------       --------         ------- 
Cost of goods sold -- external.................   44,902          5,925(b)       50,827 
Cost of goods sold -- related party............    2,989         (1,344)(a)       1,645 
                                                 -------       --------         ------- 
Total cost of goods sold.......................   47,891          4,581          52,472 
                                                 -------       --------         ------- 
     Gross profit..............................   50,799         (5,576)         45,223 
Operating expenses:                                                                     
  Research and development.....................   14,551                         14,551 
  Selling and marketing........................    4,572                          4,572 
  General and administrative...................   11,880             --(c)       11,880 
  Amortization of goodwill and other                                                    
     intangibles...............................      720                            720 
                                                 -------                        ------- 
     Total operating expenses..................   31,723                         31,723 
                                                 -------       --------         ------- 
Operating income...............................   19,076         (5,576)         13,500 
Interest expense...............................       --         (1,213)(d)      (1,213)
                                                 -------       --------         ------- 
Income before income taxes.....................   19,076         (6,789)         12,287 
Provision for income taxes.....................    6,796         (2,419)(e)       4,377 
                                                 -------       --------         ------- 
     Net income................................  $12,280       $ (4,370)        $ 7,910 
                                                 =======       ========         ======= 
Pro forma net income per share(f)..............  $  0.60                        $  0.38 
                                                 =======                        ======= 
Pro forma weighted average shares                                                       
  outstanding(f)...............................   20,627                         20,627 
                                                 =======                        ======= 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

(a) Reflects the reduction in revenue and related cost of goods sold which would
 have resulted if our new dispersion services agreement had been in effect
 for the year ended September 30, 1999 and the three months ended December
31, 1999. Upon completion of this offering, a new dispersion services   
agreement will be in effect under which we will sell various dispersion 
products to Cabot at our cost plus an agreed upon margin. We have       
  historically sold these dispersion products to Cabot at cost. In addition,
we have historically purchased from Cabot the fumed metal oxide raw     
materials we use to produce these dispersion products. Under the new    
  agreement, Cabot will supply us with these fumed metal oxide raw materials
   at no cost to us. The pro forma effect of receiving these fumed metal oxide
  raw materials at no cost to us decreases related party revenue and related
    party cost of goods sold by $1,344 for the year ended September 30, 1999 and
  $326 for the three months ended December 31, 1999. The pro forma effect of
 selling products at our cost plus an agreed upon margin increases related
    party revenue and gross profit by $349 for the year ended September 30, 1999
and $84 for the three months ended December 31, 1999.                   

(b) Reflects the additional costs that would have been incurred if our new fumed
metal oxide supply agreement with Cabot had been in effect for the year 
 ended September 30, 1999 and the three months ended December 31, 1999. We
 have historically purchased fumed metal oxides, our primary raw materials
for CMP slurries, from Cabot at Cabot's budgeted standard cost. Upon the
  completion of this offering, a new fumed metal oxide supply agreement will
  be in effect with Cabot under which we will purchase fumed metal oxides at
contractually agreed upon prices, which are higher than prices we       
  historically paid and which will increase over the term of this agreement.

(c) We have operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Cabot and as a result have 
    not incurred all costs necessary to operate on a stand-alone basis. While we
    believe that our general and administrative costs could increase as a result
  of being a stand-alone entity primarily for incremental legal, audit, risk
    management and administrative costs, we are unable to quantify the potential
increase but do not expect it to be material.                           

(d) Reflects the interest expense associated with $17,000 in borrowings we      
incurred to finance the dividend to Cabot.                              

(e) The effective tax rate derived from our income tax expense for the year     
ended September 30, 1999 and three months ended December 31, 1999 was   
   applied to the pro forma adjustments to determine the income tax expense or
benefit associated with pro forma adjustments.                          

(f) Unaudited pro forma net income per share has been calculated using the      
18,989,744 shares that will be owned by Cabot at the completion of this 
   offering and the number of shares that we would have been required to issue
    to fund a dividend to Cabot in an amount equal to Cabot's tax basis in us at
 each period end minus the earnings from that period at an issue price per
   share equal to $18.03, which is the initial public offering price of $20.00
  per share less the estimated underwriting discounts and offering expenses.

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

  The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
our historical combined financial statements and the notes to those financial   
statements and our unaudited pro forma combined statements of income, which are 
included in this prospectus. This prospectus contains forward-looking statements
relating to future events and our future financial performance. Actual results  
could be significantly different from those discussed in this prospectus.       
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those set    
forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors".                                   

OVERVIEW

We develop, manufacture and supply CMP slurries to the semiconductor  
industry. Our revenue consists of:                                              

-  external sales of CMP slurries; and                                          

-  related party revenue from fumed metal oxide dispersions sold to Cabot.      

We derive substantially all of our revenue from external sales of CMP slurries. 
These sales accounted for more than 96% of our total revenue in each of the     
three years ended September 30, 1999 and for the three months ended December 31,
1999. We recognize revenue and accrue for anticipated warranty costs upon       
delivery of products.                                                           

The primary factors affecting our revenue are sales volumes, average  
selling prices and foreign currency effects. In recent years, sales volumes have
been positively impacted by the growth of the semiconductor industry, increased 
demand for smaller, faster and more complex IC devices, pressure on IC device   
manufacturers to reduce costs and successful new product introductions.         

     For 1999, our five largest customers accounted for approximately 58% of our
revenue, with Intel accounting for approximately 22% of our revenue, Marketech  
accounting for approximately 15% of our revenue, and Takasago accounting for    
approximately 10% of our revenue. Marketech and Takasago are distributors. For  
the three months ended December 31, 1999, our five largest customers accounted  
for approximately 53% of our revenue, with Intel accounting for approximately   
14% of our revenue, Marketech accounting for approximately 15% of our revenue,  
and Takasago accounting for approximately 11% of our revenue. The decline in the
percentage of our total revenue attributable to sales to Intel resulted from,   
among other things, Intel's decision to significantly reduce purchases of one   
type of CMP slurry from us. We believe that in the same year sales of our       
products to our five largest end user customers accounted for approximately 45% 
of our revenue.                                                                 

  A portion of our revenue is derived from sales in international markets.
Revenue from sales in Europe was 10% of our total revenue for the three months  
ended December 31, 1999, 10% of our total revenue in 1999, 8% of our total      
revenue in 1998 and 6% of our total revenue in 1997. Revenue from sales in Asia 
was 40% of our total revenue for the three months ended December 31, 1999, 35%  
of our total revenue in 1999, 23% of our total revenue in 1998 and 17% of our   
total revenue in 1997. We expect our sales in Asia to continue to increase      
significantly in the future as IC device manufacturers increase production in   
Asia and we increase our marketing and distribution capabilities there. We      
intend to use our Geino, Japan facility to support these sales.                 

     Our revenue from Cabot was $0.8 million for the three months ended December
31, 1999, $3.0 million in 1999, $2.0 million in 1998 and $1.4 million in 1997.  
In the past we sold fumed metal oxide dispersions to Cabot on a cost basis which
included the cost of the fumed metal oxide raw materials we purchased from      
Cabot. We have entered into a new dispersion services agreement with Cabot which
will be effective upon the completion of this offering. Under the new agreement 
with Cabot, Cabot will supply the fumed metal oxide raw materials for these     
dispersions to us at no cost. Because the cost of the fumed metal oxide raw     
materials will not be included in our cost of goods sold, it will also not be   
included in the price we charge to Cabot for our dispersion services. Conse-    

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quently, we expect our revenue from Cabot and our cost of goods sold            
attributable to this revenue to decrease in the future.                         

     Fumed metal oxides are the primary raw materials used in the manufacture of
most of our CMP slurries and account for a significant portion of our cost of   
goods sold. We have entered into a fumed metal oxide supply agreement with      
Cabot, effective as of the completion of this offering, pursuant to which Cabot 
will continue to be our exclusive supplier of fumed metal oxides for our        
currently existing CMP slurries. Although the agreement does not require us to  
purchase from Cabot fumed metal oxides for CMP slurries that we develop in the  
future, we expect that Cabot will be our primary supplier of fumed metal oxides 
for these products as well. Under the new agreement, the prices we will pay to  
Cabot in the future for fumed metal oxides will be higher than we have paid in  
the past and will increase each year. See "Business -- Cabot as Our Raw         
Materials Supplier".                                                            

 We currently pay a royalty to Rippey Corporation in connection with our
acquisition of selected assets from Rippey in July 1995. This royalty is equal  
to approximately 2.5% of all revenue derived from the sale of our CMP slurries. 
This obligation will expire in the third quarter of 2002.                       

     We have entered into a management services agreement with Cabot, which will
be effective upon the completion of this offering, pursuant to which Cabot will 
provide administrative and corporate support services to us on an interim or    
transitional basis. These services will be similar in scope to what Cabot       
provided to us prior to this offering. Cabot will charge us for these services  
at a price that reflects its cost to provide these services. We expect that the 
cost to us will be similar to what our corporate charges were prior to this     
offering.                                                                       

   We are, and, after this offering but prior to the spin-off, will continue
to be, included in Cabot's consolidated federal income tax group, and our       
federal income tax liability will be included in the consolidated federal income
tax liability of Cabot. We have entered into a tax sharing agreement with Cabot,
which will be effective upon the completion of this offering, under which we    
will pay Cabot an amount equal to our income tax liability calculated as if we  
were an independent company. Under the terms of the tax sharing agreement, Cabot
will not be required to make any payment to us for the use of our tax attributes
that come into existence prior to the spin-off until the time that we would     
otherwise be able to utilize those attributes.                                  

We have been a part of Cabot since we began developing CMP slurries in
1985. We were organized as a separate division of Cabot in July 1995. Our       
financial statements reflect our historical results of operations, financial    
position and cash flows. These financial statements have been carved out from   
the financial statements and records of Cabot using the historical results of   
operations and cash flows and historical basis of the assets and liabilities of 
our business, as adjusted to reflect allocations of certain corporate charges   
that our management believes are reasonable. Our historical financial           
information may not necessarily reflect the results of our operations, financial
position and cash flows in the future or what the results of operations,        
financial position and cash flows would have been had we been a separate,       
stand-alone entity during those periods.                                        

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

   The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage
of revenue of certain line items included in our combined statement of          
operations data and our unaudited pro forma combined statements of income:      

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                               YEAR ENDED            THREE MONTHS ENDED   
                                             SEPTEMBER 30,              DECEMBER 31,      
                                       --------------------------  -----------------------
                                                             PRO                      PRO 
                                                            FORMA                    FORMA
                                       1997   1998   1999   1999    1998     1999    1999 
                                       ----   ----   ----   -----   ----     ----    -----
                                                                                          
Total revenue......................... 100%   100%   100%    100%   100%     100%     100%
Cost of goods sold....................  56     50     49      54     48       46       50 
                                       ---    ---    ---     ---    ---      ---      --- 
Gross profit..........................  44     50     51      46     52       54       50 
  Research and development............  24     17     15      15     17       13       13 
  Selling and marketing...............   3      6      4       4      5        3        3 
  General and administrative..........  13     15     12      12     12       11       11 
  Amortization of goodwill and other                                                      
     intangibles......................   2      1      1       1      1        1        1 
                                       ---    ---    ---     ---    ---      ---      --- 
Operating income......................   2     11     19      14     17       26       22 
Interest expense......................   0      0      0       1      0        0        1 
                                       ---    ---    ---     ---    ---      ---      --- 
Income before income taxes............   2     11     19      13     17       26       21 
Provision for income taxes............   0      4      7       5      6       10        8 
                                       ---    ---    ---     ---    ---      ---      --- 
Net income............................   2%     7%    12%      8%    11%      16%      13%
                                       ===    ===    ===     ===    ===      ===      === 

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 VERSUS THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998

REVENUE                                                                         

 Total revenue was $35.0 million for the three months ended December 31,
1999, which represented a 68%, or $14.2 million, increase from the three months 
ended December 31, 1998. Revenue from external sales was $34.2 million for the  
three months ended December 31, 1999, which represented an increase of 68%, or  
$13.9 million, from the three months ended December 31, 1998. Of this increase, 
$9.8 million was due to a 48% increase in volume and $4.1 million was due to    
increased weighted average selling prices. The volume growth was driven by the  
increased use of CMP slurries in the manufacture of IC devices, and temporary   
inventory build-up by some customers for year 2000 rollover concerns. The growth
was especially strong with respect to sales of CMP slurries for polishing       
tungsten, which increased 77% in volume terms. Sales of slurries for hard disk  
drives contributed $2.0 million to the growth as compared to the three months   
ended December 31, 1998. Weighted average selling prices rose due to the sale of
higher performance products which had higher average selling prices. Also, we   
shifted some of our sales in Japan from sales to distributors to sales directly 
to customers, which resulted in an increased weighted average selling price.    

    Related party revenue was $0.8 million for the three months ended December
31, 1999, which represented an increase of 48%, or $0.3 million, from the three 
months ended December 31, 1998. This increase was due to higher volumes sold. On
a pro forma basis, for the three months ended December 31, 1999, related party  
revenue would have been $0.6 million. This decrease reflects the fact that under
our existing arrangement with Cabot, we purchase from Cabot the fumed metal     
oxide raw materials required to make the dispersions that we sell to Cabot and  
the cost of these raw materials is included in the price we charge to Cabot,    
while under our new dispersion services agreement Cabot will provide these raw  
materials to us at no cost. As a result, our revenue and cost of goods          

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sold will decrease as a result of the new                                       
arrangements.                                                                   

COST OF GOODS SOLD                                                              

Total cost of goods sold was $16.2 million for the three months ended 
December 31, 1999, which represented an increase of 61% or $6.2 million from the
three months ended December 31, 1998. Cost of goods sold related to external    
sales was $15.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 1999, which     
represented an increase of 62%, or $5.9 million, from the three months ended    
December 31, 1998. Of this increase, $4.6 million was due to higher sales volume
and $1.3 million was due to higher weighted average costs per gallon. These     
higher costs resulted from higher distribution costs resulting from the shift of
some sales to distributors to sales directly to customers in Japan and for raw  
materials shipped to our manufacturing plant in Japan. Higher manufacturing     
costs associated with improved quality requirements also contributed to this    
increase. Because we sell products to Cabot at cost, our cost of goods sold for 
these sales is equal to our related party revenue. On a pro forma basis, total  
cost of goods sold would have been $17.3 million, which reflects a $1.4 million 
increase for the fumed metal oxides we purchase from Cabot to produce our       
slurries, partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in the cost of goods sold 
attributable to our new dispersion services agreement with Cabot, in each case  
for the reasons described above.                                                

GROSS PROFIT                                                                    

Our gross profit as a percentage of net revenue was 54% for the three 
months ended December 31, 1999 as compared to 52% for the three months ended    
December 31, 1998. Higher weighted average margins for new products, a higher   
percentage of direct sales to customers and higher utilization of manufacturing 
capacity contributed to the margin improvement. On a pro forma basis, for the   
three months ended December 31, 1999, gross profit as a percentage of revenue   
was 50%.                                                                        

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT                                                        

 Research and development expenses were $4.5 million in the three months
ended December 31, 1999, which represented an increase of 30%, or $1.0 million, 
from the three months ended December 31, 1998. Of this increase, $0.6 million   
was due to higher laboratory supply costs and other operating expenses          
associated with the clean room. Increased staffing in other research and        
development activities added $0.4 million to the increase in expenses.          

     Key activities during the three months ended December 31, 1999 involved the
development of advanced particle technology, new and enhanced slurry products   
and new CMP polishing pad technology.                                           

SELLING AND MARKETING                                                           

    Selling and marketing expenses were $1.3 million in the three months ended
December 31, 1999, which represented an increase of 31%, or $0.3 million, from  
the three months ended December 31, 1998. The increase was primarily due to the 
hiring of additional customer support personnel in our North America, Japan and 
Taiwan offices.                                                                 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE                                                      

   General and administrative expenses were $3.9 million in the three months
ended December 31, 1999, which represented an increase of 52%, or $1.3 million, 
from the three months ended December 31, 1998. The increase was primarily due to
$0.7 million of additional personnel costs needed to support the general growth 
of our business and a $0.3 million increase in legal costs incurred in          
connection with patent litigation.                                              

AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES                                  

Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles was $0.2 million in the
three months ended December 31, 1999 and the three months ended December 31,    
1998 and related to goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the    
acquisition of selected distributor assets from a third party in 1995.          

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PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                                                      

The effective tax rate on income from operations was 36% in the three 
months ended December 31, 1999 and the three months ended December 31, 1998.    

NET INCOME                                                                      

  Net income was $5.7 million in the three months ended December 31, 1999,
which represented an increase of 142%, or $3.4 million, from the three months   
ended December 31, 1998 as a result of the factors discussed above.             

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 VERSUS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998              

REVENUE                                                                         

   Total revenue was $98.7 million in 1999, which represented an increase of
68%, or $39.9 million, over 1998. Revenue from external sales was $95.7 million 
in 1999, which represented an increase of 68%, or $38.8 million, from 1998. The 
increase in external revenue was primarily due to a 53% increase in volume and, 
to a lesser extent, a 10% increase in weighted average selling prices. The      
volume growth was driven by the increased use of CMP slurries in the manufacture
of IC devices. This growth was especially strong in Asia, where volumes across  
all slurry product lines increased by 114% and we began to recognize revenue    
from the sale of CMP slurries used to polish the magnetic heads and the coating 
on hard disks in hard disk drives. Weighted average selling prices rose from    
1998 to 1999 due to the sale of higher performance products which had higher    
weighted average selling prices, particularly our CMP slurries for polishing    
tungsten.                                                                       

Related party revenue was $3.0 million in 1999, which represented an  
increase of 52%, or $1.0 million, from 1998. This increase was due to higher    
volumes sold. On a pro forma basis, for the fiscal year ended September 30,     
1999, related party revenue would have been $2.0 million. This decrease reflects
the fact that under our existing arrangement with Cabot, we purchase from Cabot 
the fumed metal oxide raw materials required to make the dispersions that we    
sell to Cabot and the cost of these raw materials is included in the price we   
charge to Cabot, while under our new dispersion services agreement Cabot will   
provide these raw materials to us at no cost. As a result, our revenue and cost 
of goods sold will decrease as a result of the new arrangements.                

COST OF GOODS SOLD                                                              

  Total cost of goods sold was $47.9 million in 1999, which represented an
increase of 61%, or $18.2 million, from 1998. Cost of goods sold related to     
external sales was $44.9 million in 1999, which represented an increase of 62%, 
or $17.2 million, from 1998. Of that increase, $14.6 million was due to higher  
sales volume and the remainder was primarily due to higher manufacturing costs  
associated with improved quality requirements and start up costs of our Geino,  
Japan facility. On a pro forma basis, for the year ended September 30, 1999,    
total cost of goods sold would have been $52.5 million, which reflects a $5.9   
million increase for the fumed metal oxides we purchase from Cabot to produce   
our slurries, partially offset by a $1.3 million decrease in the cost of goods  
sold attributable to our new dispersion services agreement with Cabot, in each  
case for the reasons described above.                                           

GROSS PROFIT                                                                    

  Our gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 51% for 1999 and 50% for
1998. Higher margins from new products in 1999 were offset by increased spending
for expanded capacity and support capabilities. On a pro forma basis, for the   
year ended September 30, 1999, gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 46%. 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT                                                        

Research and development expenses were $14.6 million in 1999, which   
represented an increase of 44%, or $4.4 million, from 1998. Of this increase,   
$2.3 million was due to higher laboratory supply costs and other operating      
expenses associated with the clean room. Increased staffing related to other    
research and development activities accounted for an additional $1.5 million of 
the increase and consumption of supplies in research and development activities 
contributed the rest of the increase. Key activities during 1999 involved the   
development of advanced particle                                                

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technology, new or enhanced slurry products and new CMP polishing pad products. 

SELLING AND MARKETING                                                           

     Selling and marketing expenses were $4.6 million in 1999, which represented
an increase of 39%, or $1.3 million, from 1998. Of this increase, $0.4 million  
was due to the hiring of additional customer support personnel in the United    
States, $0.4 million was due to increased selling costs in Japan and the rest   
was due to increased production of product literature, costs relating to        
industry trade shows and marketing consulting costs.                            

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE                                                      

General and administrative expenses were $11.9 million in 1999, which 
represented an increase of 39%, or $3.3 million, from 1998. Charges for         
corporate services provided by Cabot increased $1.8 million from 1998 to 1999 to
keep pace with the growth of our business. Of the remaining increase, $1.2      
million was due to additional administrative personnel as a result of general   
business growth and $0.3 million was due to outside legal fees incurred in      
connection with patent litigation.                                              

AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES                                  

     Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles was $0.7 million in 1999 and
1998 and related to goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the    
acquisition of selected assets from a third party in 1995.                      

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                                                      

     The effective tax rate on income from operations was 36% in 1999 and 34% in
1998.                                                                           

NET INCOME                                                                      

Net income was $12.3 million in 1999, which represented an increase of
190%, or $8.0 million, from 1998 as a result of the factors discussed above.    

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 VERSUS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997              

REVENUE                                                                         

   Total revenue was $58.8 million in 1998, which represented an increase of
67%, or $23.6 million, over 1997. Revenue from external sales was $56.9 million 
in 1998, which represented an increase of 68%, or $23.0 million, from 1997. The 
increase in external revenue was primarily due to a 61% increase in volume and, 
to a lesser extent, a 4% increase in weighted average selling prices. The volume
growth was driven by the increased use of CMP slurries in the manufacture of IC 
devices. Weighted average selling prices rose due to the sale of higher         
performance products which had higher weighted average selling prices,          
particularly our CMP slurries for polishing tungsten plugs.                     

 Related party revenue was $2.0 million in 1998, an increase of 45% from
$1.4 million in 1997, and increased due to higher volumes sold.                 

COST OF GOODS SOLD                                                              

  Total cost of goods sold was $29.7 million in 1998, which represented an
increase of 49%, or $9.7 million, from 1997. Cost of goods sold related to      
external sales was $27.7 million, which represented an increase of 49%, or $9.1 
million, from 1997. This increase was primarily due to higher sales volume.     

GROSS PROFIT                                                                    

   Our gross profit as a percentage of revenue increased to 50% in 1998 from
44% in 1997. The improvement was primarily the result of higher volumes and     
improved operating efficiencies, as well as a greater percentage of higher      
margin new products, particularly our CMP slurries for polishing tungsten plugs.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT                                                        

Research and development expenses were $10.1 million in 1998, which   
represented an increase of 21%, or $1.7 million, from 1997. The increase was due
to approximately $0.7 million of increased personnel costs, including increased 
salary, fringe benefit, travel, recruiting and relocation expenses relating to  
our development program teams. Approximately $0.4 million of the increase was   
due to higher laboratory supply costs due to the increased size of the          
development staff. Key activities during 1998 involved the                      

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development of new CMP slurry and polishing pad products.                       

SELLING AND MARKETING                                                           

     Selling and marketing expenses were $3.3 million in 1998, which represented
an increase of 220%, or $2.3 million, from 1997. Approximately $1.9 million of  
the $2.3 million increase was due to increased staffing and travel expenses for 
global customer support, including in North America, Asia and Europe. The       
increase was also due to increased spending to perform market research and      
conduct promotional activities such as participation in trade shows and creation
and distribution of product literature.                                         

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE                                                      

General and administrative expenses were $8.6 million in 1998, which  
represented an increase of 92%, or $4.1 million, from 1997. The increase in 1998
was primarily due to $2.0 million of increased legal expenses relating to patent
litigation. Approximately $1.2 million of the increase related to higher charges
for corporate services provided by Cabot and $0.4 million of the increase was   
due to increased staffing expenses to support our overall business growth.      

AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES                                  

     Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles was $0.7 million in 1998 and
1997 related to goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the        
acquisition of selected assets from a third party in 1995.                      
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                                                      

The effective tax rate on income from operations was 34% in 1998 as   
compared to a tax benefit of 7% in 1997. An income tax benefit was recorded in  
1997 as a result of a tax credit for research and development activities that   
exceeded our statutory taxes for that period.                                   

NET INCOME                                                                      
     Net income was $4.2 million in 1998, which represented an increase of 498%,
or $3.5 million, from 1997 as a result of the factors discussed above.          

SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS

  The following table presents our unaudited financial information for the
eight quarters ended December 31, 1999. This unaudited financial information has
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles       
applied on a basis consistent with the annual audited financial statements and  
in the opinion of management, they include all necessary adjustments, which     
consist only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the    
financial results for the periods. The results for any quarter are not          
necessarily indicative of results for any future period.                        

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                                             QUARTER ENDED                                      
                                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       MARCH 31,   JUNE 30,   SEPT. 30,   DEC. 31,   MARCH 31,   JUNE 30,   SEPT. 30,   DEC. 31,
                                         1998        1998       1998        1998       1999        1999       1999        1999  
                                       ---------   --------   ---------   --------   ---------   --------   ---------   --------
                                                                  (in thousands, except percentages)                            
                                                                                                                                
Total revenue.........................  $14,001    $15,120     $17,620    $20,875     $21,867    $22,864     $33,084    $35,046 
Cost of goods sold....................    7,343      7,554       8,435     10,036      10,177     11,007      16,671     16,188 
                                        -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    ------- 
Gross profit..........................    6,658      7,566       9,185     10,839      11,690     11,857      16,413     18,858 
                                           47.5%      50.0%       52.1%      51.9%       53.5%      51.9%       49.6%      53.8%
Operating expenses:                                                                                                             
  Research and development............    2,501      2,455       2,900      3,445       3,067      3,669       4,370      4,484 
  Selling and marketing...............    1,077      1,013         554        954       1,083      1,108       1,427      1,250 
  General and administrative..........    1,869      2,106       2,832      2,570       2,989      3,232       3,089      3,896 
  Amortization of goodwill and other                                                                                            
    intangible assets.................      180        180         180        180         180        180         180        180 
                                        -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    ------- 
Total operating expenses..............    5,627      5,754       6,466      7,149       7,319      8,189       9,066      9,810 
                                        -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    ------- 
Income before income taxes............    1,031      1,812       2,719      3,690       4,371      3,668       7,347      9,048 
Provision for income taxes............      353        622         932      1,313       1,559      1,307       2,617      3,300 
                                        -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    ------- 
Net income............................  $   678    $ 1,190     $ 1,787    $ 2,377     $ 2,812    $ 2,361     $ 4,730    $ 5,748 
                                        =======    =======     =======    =======     =======    =======     =======    ======= 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

  We had cash flows from operating activities of $0.3 million in the three
months ended December 31, 1999 and $2.1 million in the three months ended       
December 31, 1998. We had cash flows from operating activities of $9.0 million  
in 1999, $2.3 million in 1998 and $0.4 million in 1997. Our principal capital   
requirements have been to fund working capital needs that support the expansion 
of our business. For the three months ended December 31, 1999, inventory was    
also increased to prepare for any supply chain interruptions that might have    
occurred due to the year 2000 date change.                                      

   In the three months ended December 31, 1999, cash flows used in investing
activities were $7.2 million, primarily due to the construction of our Aurora,  
Illinois manufacturing building, the purchase of land in Korea for a new        
distribution facility and the purchase of research and development equipment. In
the three months ended December 31, 1998, cash flows used in investing          
activities were $6.8 million due to manufacturing capacity increases, the       
acquisition of research and development equipment and land and construction of  
our new headquarters building in Aurora, Illinois.                              

In 1999, cash flows used in investing activities were $17.1 million,  
primarily due to the completion of our Geino, Japan facility and construction of
our Aurora, Illinois headquarters building. In 1998, cash flows used in         
investing activities were $9.3 million due to manufacturing capacity increases  
and the acquisition of research and development equipment. In 1997, cash flows  
used in investing activities were $1.7 million, primarily related to additions  
for the purchase of machinery and equipment used in production and research and 
development.                                                                    

   We had cash flows from financing activities of $6.9 million for the three
months ended December 31, 1999 and $4.8 million for the three months ended      
December 31, 1998, resulting from capital contributions from Cabot. We had cash 
flows from financing activities of $8.1 million in 1999, $6.8 million in 1998,  
and $1.2 million in 1997 resulting from capital contributions from Cabot.       

Upon completion of this offering, we will have a $25 million unsecured
revolving credit facility with Fleet National Bank. Loans under this facility   
will be used primarily for general corporate purposes, including working capital
and capital expenditures. There is a sublimit for letters of credit of $5       
million. We may elect to borrow at either:                                      

- the higher of Fleet National Bank's base rate as announced from time to time  
or the federal funds rate plus a margin of up to 0.50%; or                  

- the LIBOR rate plus a margin of between 1.5% and 2.0%, determined quarterly.  

 Interest on base rate loans will be payable at the end of each calendar
quarter, and on LIBOR loans at the earlier of the end of each interest period or
quarterly.                                                                      

All borrowings under our revolving credit facility will become due and
payable in April 2003. Borrowings under this credit facility may be prepaid at  
any time, subject to payment of normal breakage costs, if any, in the case of   
LIBOR loans.                                                                    

  We would breach our revolving credit facility if we were to incur losses
greater than $7.5 million in a single fiscal quarter or greater than $10 million
in two consecutive quarters. In addition to customary covenants, this credit    
facility contains certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional       
indebtedness, create liens, make certain investments, pay dividends or make     
certain distributions on our stock, merge, consolidate, make certain            
acquisitions or dispositions and enter into transactions with affiliates.       

We also have an unsecured term credit facility, consisting of a $3.5  
million term loan and a $13.5 million term loan, with LaSalle Bank National     
Association. We used all $17.0 million of borrowings under this facility to fund
a dividend to Cabot.                                                            

     The $3.5 million term loan was funded on the basis of the State of Illinois
State Treasurers Economic Program. During the                                   

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period that we remain eligible for this program and the State of Illinois       
maintains appropriate funds to cover the $3.5 million term loan, the outstanding
amount will bear interest at a rate equal to 1.75% plus:                        

- until the second anniversary of the closing date of the loan, 70% of the two  
year treasury rate; and                                                     

- after the second anniversary of the closing date and until the termination    
date of this credit facility, which will be five years from the closing date
of the credit facility, 70% of the three year treasury rate.                

    During any period in which we are ineligible for this program or the State
of Illinois removes funds on deposit with the lender for purposes of funding    
this loan, the outstanding amount will bear interest at the rate applicable to  
the $13.5 million term loan described below.                                    

We borrowed the $13.5 million term loan, at a Eurodollar rate plus an 
applicable margin, which will vary between 1.5% and 2.0% depending on our ratio 
of funded debt to EBITDA. Subject to specified minimum amounts, we can convert  
this loan to a base rate loan.                                                  

Interest on the $3.5 million term loan and each base rate loan will be
payable quarterly. Interest on each Eurodollar loan will be payable on the last 
day of the applicable interest period, which will be a one, two or three month  
period.                                                                         

During the existence of any event of default under the term credit    
facility, the applicable interest rate on each type of loan will be increased   
2.0%.                                                                           

  The total principal amount of the $3.5 million term loan will be payable
upon the termination date of the credit facility, which will be five years from 
the closing date of this credit facility. Principal on the $13.5 million term   
loan will be payable in quarterly installments of $337,500, with the balance    
payable upon the termination date.                                              

During the term of this facility, we will be subject to prepayment    
provisions, financial ratios, default provisions and restrictive covenants      
similar to those described with respect to our $25 million revolving credit     
facility.                                                                       

Under both our $25.0 million revolving credit facility and our $17.0  
million term credit facility, we will be required to maintain the following     
financial ratios:                                                               

- a ratio of (A) cash plus short-term investments plus net accounts receivable  
  to (B) total current liabilities equal or above 1.25 to 1. The actual ratio as
of December 31, 1999 was 3.06 to 1. Assuming the $25.0 million of revolving 
 loans under our revolving credit facility and the $17.0 million of term loans
 under our term credit facility had been outstanding on December 31, 1999, and
 we had used all $17.0 million of borrowings under our term credit facility to
  fund a dividend to Cabot as of that date, the ratio would have been 1.84 to 1;

- a leverage ratio of (A) total funded indebtedness to (B) EBITDA below 2.25 to 
  1. This ratio would have been satisfied as of December 31, 1999 because we had
no funded indebtedness as of that date. Assuming the $25.0 million of       
revolving loans under our revolving credit facility and the $17.0 million of
term loans under our term credit facility had been outstanding during the   
 three month period ended December 31, 1999, the ratio would have been 1.52 to
1; and                                                                      

- a minimum coverage ratio of (A) EBIT to (B) interest expense greater than 3.0 
 to 1. This ratio would have been satisfied as of December 31, 1999 because we
had no interest expense as of that date. Assuming the $25.0 million of      
revolving loans under our revolving credit facility and the $17.0 million of
 the term loans under our term credit facility had been outstanding during the
 three month period ended December 31, 1999, the ratio would have been 7.40 to
1.                                                                          

   EBITDA is our net income before taxes plus interest expense, depreciation
and amortization. EBIT would take into account depreciation and amortization.   

We estimate that our total capital expenditures in 2000 will be       
approximately $32.5 mil-                                                        

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lion, approximately $7.2 million of which we have already spent. Our major      
capital expenditures in 2000 are expected to be:                                

- approximately $20.4 million to expand our existing North American             
manufacturing facilities and build and equip a new slurry manufacturing     
facility adjacent to our current facility in Aurora, Illinois;              

- approximately $8.1 million to expand our existing manufacturing facility in   
Geino, Japan and establish new distribution facilities in Asia;             

- approximately $0.7 million to expand and improve our Barry, Wales facility;   
and                                                                         

- approximately $3.4 million for polishing and other equipment used in our      
research and development activities.                                        

We believe that cash generated by our operations, borrowings under our
revolving credit facility, and the net proceeds of this offering after the      
dividend payment to Cabot, will be sufficient to fund our operations and        
expected capital expenditures for the next 24 months. However, we plan to expand
our business and continue to improve our technology and, to do so, we may be    
required to raise additional funds in the future through public or private      
equity or debt financing, strategic relationships or other arrangements.        
Financing may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all, and our failure  
to raise capital when needed could negatively impact our business, financial    
condition or results of operations. Because we will agree with Cabot that we    
will not issue any securities if doing so would reduce Cabot's ownership of us  
to less than 80.5% prior to the spin-off, our ability to raise capital through  
further sales of equity securities is limited until the spin-off occurs.        
Additional equity financing could be dilutive to the holders of our common stock
and debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants. See "Risk  
Factors -- Risks Relating to Our Business -- Our ability to raise capital in the
future may be limited and this may limit our ability to expand our business and 
improve our technology".                                                        

 Cabot is currently a defendant in two lawsuits involving Rodel. We have
agreed to indemnify Cabot for any liabilities or damages resulting from these   
lawsuits. See "Business -- Legal Proceedings".                                  

EFFECT OF CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES AND EXCHANGE RATE RISK MANAGEMENT 

 We conduct business operations outside of the United States through our
foreign operations. Our foreign operations maintain their accounting records in 
their local currencies. Consequently, period to period comparability of results 
of operations is affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. The primary        
currencies to which we have exposure are the Japanese Yen and the British Pound.
Our exposure to foreign currency exchange risks has not been significant because
a significant portion of our foreign sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. As  
foreign markets become a more significant portion of our business, we may enter 
into forward contracts in an effort to manage foreign currency exchange         
exposure.                                                                       

MARKET RISK AND SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE RISK                                                      

During 1999, less than 10% of our revenue was transacted in currencies
other than the U.S. dollar. We generally do not enter into forward exchange     
contracts as a hedge against foreign currency exchange risk on transactions     
denominated in foreign currencies or for speculative or trading purposes. We    
have performed a sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical 10% adverse       
movement in foreign exchange rates. As of September 30, 1999, the analysis      
demonstrated that such market movements would not have a material adverse effect
on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.    
Actual gains and losses in the future may differ materially from this analysis  
based on changes in the timing and amount of foreign currency rate movements and
our actual exposures. We believe that our exposure to foreign currency exchange 
rate risk at September 30, 1999 was not material.                               

There have been no material changes in market risk exposures through  
December 31, 1999.                                                              

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NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 
issued Statement of Position 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer        
Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use". Statement of Position 98-1    
provides guidance regarding whether computer software is internal-use software, 
the capitalization of costs incurred for computer software developed or obtained
for internal use and accounting for the proceeds of computer software originally
developed or obtained for internal use and then subsequently sold to the public.
We do not expect the impact of adopting Statement of Position 98-1, which will  
be effective for us in fiscal 2000, to be material to our financial condition or
results of operations.                                                          

In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 
issued Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up          
Activities". Statement of Position 98-5 requires companies to expense start-up  
and organization costs as incurred. Statement of Position 98-5 broadly defines  
start-up activities and provides examples to help entities determine costs that 
are and are not within the scope of Statement of Position 98-5. Statement of    
Position 98-5 will be effective for us in fiscal 2000, and its initial          
application is to be reported as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle. We do not expect the impact of adopting Statement of Position 98-5 to
be material to our financial condition or results of operations.                

    In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments  
and Hedging Activities". Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133    
establishes new standards of accounting and reporting for derivative instruments
and hedging activities. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133     
requires all derivatives be recognized at fair value in the statement of        
financial position, and the corresponding gains or losses be reported either in 
the statement of operations or as a component of comprehensive income, depending
on the type of hedging relationship that exists. We do not expect the impact of 
adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, which will apply  
to us in 2001, to be material to our financial condition or results of          
operations.                                                                     

     In December 1999, the SEC released Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, which
provides guidance on the recognition, presentation and disclosure of revenue in 
financial statements filed with the SEC. We are required to be in conformity    
with the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 no later than October  
1, 2000 and do not expect a material change in our financial condition or       
results of operations as a result of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101.         

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BUSINESS

OUR COMPANY 

We are the leading supplier of slurries used in chemical mechanical   
planarization, or CMP. We believe that we have an approximately 80% share of the
slurries sold to IC device manufacturers worldwide. CMP is a polishing process  
used by IC device manufacturers to planarize many of the multiple layers of     
material that are built upon silicon wafers to produce advanced IC devices.     
Planarization is a polishing process that levels and smooths, and removes the   
excess material from, the surfaces of these layers. CMP slurries are liquids    
containing abrasives and chemicals that facilitate and enhance this polishing   
process. CMP assists IC device manufacturers in producing smaller, faster and   
more complex IC devices with fewer defects. We believe CMP will become          
increasingly important in the future as manufacturers seek to further shrink the
size of these devices and improve their performance. Most of our CMP slurries   
are used to polish insulating layers and the tungsten plugs that go through the 
insulating layers and connect the multiple wiring layers of IC devices. We have 
developed and have begun limited sales of new CMP slurries that our customers   
use for polishing the coating on the hard disks and the magnetic heads in hard  
disk drives, although in 1999 revenue from sales of these CMP slurries accounted
for less than 2.0% of our total revenue. We continue to develop slurries for    
additional new applications. In addition, we have recently begun producing and  
selling polishing pads used in the CMP process.                                 

IC DEVICE MANUFACTURING 

 Today's advanced IC devices are composed of millions of transistors and
other electronic components connected by miles of wiring. The wiring, composed  
primarily of aluminum and tungsten, carries electric signals through the        
multiple layers of the IC device. Insulating material is used throughout the IC 
device to isolate the electronic components and wiring to prevent short         
circuiting and to improve the efficiency of electric signal travel within the   
device. To increase performance, IC device manufacturers have progressively     
increased the number, or density, of transistors and other electronic components
in each IC device.                                                              

   The manufacturing process for IC devices typically begins with a circular
wafer of pure silicon. A large number of identical IC devices are manufactured  
on each wafer at the same time, and at the end of the process, the wafer is cut 
into the individual devices. The first step in the manufacturing process is to  
build transistors and other electronic components on the silicon wafer. These   
components are then wired together in a particular sequence to produce an IC    
device with the desired characteristics. Once the transistors and other         
electronic components are in place on the silicon wafer, they are usually       
covered with a layer of insulating material, most often silicon dioxide.        

    CMP is used to planarize the insulating layers of an IC device and prepare
them for a process known as metallization. During metallization, wiring is added
to the surface of the insulating layer through a series of steps involving:     

- depositing metal, usually aluminum, onto the surface of the layer;            

- projecting an image of the desired wiring pattern on the layer using a process
known as photolithography; and                                              

- removing the excess deposited metal from the surface of the insulating layer  
using a process known as etching, which leaves behind the desired wiring    
pattern.                                                                    

When the wiring is finished, another layer of insulating material is added and  
planarized using CMP. This process of alternating insulating and wiring layers  
is repeated until the IC device is completed. The electronic components and     
wiring layers are connected by conductive plugs that are formed by making holes 
in the insulating layers and filling those holes with metal, usually tungsten.  
After these holes have been filled with tungsten, CMP is used to remove all the 
excess tungsten above the surface of the insulating layer so that the top of the
plug is level with the surface of the                                           

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insulating layer before the next wiring layer is built. Manufacturing IC devices
requires precision processing in ultra clean, controlled environments.          

 The semiconductor industry has a generally accepted set of design rules
that describe current and projected feature size and spacing of electronic      
components and wiring in IC devices. The feature size and spacing in these      
design rules have been progressively decreasing to accommodate the demand for   
increased circuit density and miniaturization. As the density of IC devices     
increases, the amount of wiring needed to connect the transistors and other     
electronic components to each other also increases. As IC devices become        
smaller, this increase in wiring requires tighter and more precise spacing of   
the wiring and has led to an increase in the layers of IC devices.              

   According to the Semiconductor Industry Association's National Technology
Roadmap for Semiconductors (1998 and 1999 Editions), the trends toward increased
density and miniaturization of IC devices are expected to continue. While the   
number of layers varies by IC device type, an advanced logic device built with  
today's common 0.25 micron feature size has approximately seven insulating and  
six wiring layers and a typical memory device built with the same feature size  
has approximately three insulating and two wiring layers. By 2001, the          
Semiconductor Industry Association predicts that advanced IC devices will be    
manufactured with a 0.15 micron feature size and that advanced logic devices    
will have approximately eight insulating and seven wiring layers and advanced   
memory devices will have approximately four insulating and three wiring layers. 
CMP is currently used to polish both the insulating layers and the tungsten     
plugs in IC devices in separate steps. As a result, even though CMP is not      
currently used to polish the wiring layers, the number of CMP steps used to     
produce an IC device is typically at least equal to the total number of         
insulating and wiring layers in the device. While CMP is currently used more in 
the manufacture of logic devices than memory devices, we believe that the use of
CMP in the manufacture of memory devices will increase in the future as the     
feature size and spacing of these devices decreases and the number of layers in 
the device increases.                                                           

   The increased density and miniaturization of IC devices has also resulted
in an increased emphasis on reduction of defects and residue remaining after the
CMP process. A defect is any imperfection on a layer of an IC device that causes
a short circuit or other problem with the performance of the device. Residue    
from the CMP process consists of particle and chemical residue left on the layer
surface as a result of the CMP process. The likelihood that a defect or residue 
of a given size will negatively effect the performance of an IC device increases
as the density and miniaturization of the device increase. IC device            
manufacturers are requiring that the number of defects per given area decline   
and that the residues from the CMP process be reduced.                          

CHEMICAL MECHANICAL PLANARIZATION 

The CMP process involves both chemical reactions and physical means to
planarize the insulating layers of an IC device that are built upon a silicon   
wafer and the conductive tungsten plugs that go through the insulating layers   
and connect the multiple wiring layers of IC devices. The wafer is typically    
held on a rotating carrier which is spun at high speeds and pressed against a   
rotating, polishing table. The portion of the table that comes in contact with  
the wafer is covered by a textured, polishing pad. A CMP slurry is continuously 
applied to the polishing pad during the CMP process to facilitate and enhance   
the polishing process. CMP slurries are liquid compounds composed of high purity
deionized water, chemical additives and abrasive agents that chemically interact
with the surface material of the IC device at an atomic level.                  

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The following diagram demonstrates the CMP process as applied to the  
insulating layers of an IC device:                                              

[CMP OF OXIDE INSULATING LAYER GRAPHIC] 

The following diagram demonstrates the CMP process as applied to the  
conductive tungsten plugs of an IC device:                                      

[CMP OF OXIDE TUNGSTEN PLUGS GRAPHIC] 

BENEFITS OF CMP 

CMP provides IC device manufacturers with a number of advantages. CMP 
enables IC device manufacturers to produce smaller IC devices with greater      
density, both of which improve the performance of the device. As IC devices     
shrink and become more dense, they require smaller feature sizes and tighter    
spacing between the wiring of the device. If the surface is not level, the      
smaller feature size and tighter spacing make it more difficult for the         
photolithography equipment to focus accurately and create the desired wiring    
pattern. In addition, because today's smaller, denser IC devices have more      
layers, any uneveness of a layer at or near the bottom of an IC device will get 
magnified in the additional layers that are added to the device. Defects caused 
by problems in the photolithography process or uneveness in the layers can lead 
to:                                                                             

- short circuits;                                                               

- reduced performance; and                                                      

- at worst, failure of the IC device.                                           

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By using CMP, IC device manufacturers can eliminate or minimize these problems. 

    By enabling IC device manufacturers to make smaller IC devices, CMP allows
them to increase their throughput, or the number of IC devices that they can    
manufacture in a given time period. CMP also helps reduce the number of         
defective or substandard IC devices produced, which increases the device yield. 
Improvements in throughput and yield reduce an IC device manufacturer's total   
production costs. Manufacturers can achieve further improvements in throughput  
and yield through improvements in the CMP process that reduce defectivity rates 
and decrease the amount of time required for the polishing process.             

CMP SLURRIES

The characteristics that make an effective CMP slurry include:        

- high polishing rates, which increase productivity and throughput;             

- high selectivity, which means enhancing the polishing of specific materials   
while inhibiting polishing of other materials;                              

- uniform polishing of different surface materials at the same time, which      
avoids problems such as dishing and erosion;                                

- low levels of chemical and physical impurities, which reduce defects and      
residues on the polished surface that can adversely affect IC device        
performance; and                                                            

- colloidal stability, which means the abrasive particles within the slurry do  
not settle, which is important for uniform polishing with minimum defects.  

     Most of the foregoing qualities of CMP slurries affect and enhance not only
the performance of the IC devices but can also positively impact the cost of    
ownership of the CMP process. Cost of ownership is a calculation by which IC    
device manufacturers evaluate the benefits and costs of each production step by 
analyzing the impact of that step on throughput and yield and the costs of the  
production inputs of that step. This calculation allows IC device manufacturers 
to compare competing production processes and inputs. An input that improves    
throughput and yield may reduce the cost of ownership even though it costs more.

   Prior to introducing a new or different CMP slurry into its manufacturing
process, an IC device manufacturer generally requires that the slurry be        
qualified at each of its plants through a series of tests and evaluations       
intended to ensure that the slurry will function properly in the manufacturing  
process and to optimize the slurry's application. These tests may require       
changes to the CMP process, the CMP slurry and/or the CMP polishing pad. While  
this qualification process varies depending on numerous factors, it is not      
unusual for this process to be very expensive and take six months or more to    
complete. IC device manufacturers must take the cost, time delay and impact on  
production into account when they consider switching to a new CMP slurry.       

INDUSTRY TRENDS 

    The rapid growth of the CMP slurry market has been driven in large part by
the significant growth and technological advances the semiconductor industry has
experienced over the past decade. IC devices are critical components in an      
increasingly wide variety of products and applications, including computers,    
data processing, communications, telecommunications, the Internet, automobiles  
and consumer and industrial electronics. As the performance of IC devices has   
increased and their size and cost have decreased, the use of IC devices in these
applications has grown significantly. According to industry sources, the        
worldwide semiconductor market as measured by total sales grew at an average    
annual compound rate of 11% in the period from 1988 through 1998. Dataquest and 
other industry sources project continued growth at similar rates in the future. 

The rapid growth in the semiconductor industry, increasing demand for 
smaller, higher performance and more complex IC devices and pressure on IC      
device manufacturers to reduce their costs have led to increased use of CMP and 
consumption of CMP slurries and polishing pads. We believe that worldwide       
revenues from the sale of                                                       

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CMP slurries to IC device manufacturers grew to approximately $120 million in   
1999. Industry surveys project that annual worldwide revenues in this market    
will grow to between approximately $300 and $400 million by 2003. This projected
growth assumes increases in the number of IC devices produced, the percentage of
IC devices that are produced using CMP and the number of polishing steps used to
produce each device.                                                            

Although some sectors of the semiconductor industry have been highly  
cyclical, sales of CMP slurries and polishing pads have not been adversely      
affected by these trends. We believe this is because sales of CMP slurries and  
polishing pads are driven primarily by the number of IC devices sold, which has 
been much less cyclical than the prices of IC devices. In addition, we believe  
that IC manufacturers have continued to increase their use of CMP because the   
CMP process represents only a small percentage of the total production cost of  
an IC device and is very important to the continued improvement of IC device    
performance.                                                                    

OTHER APPLICATIONS OF CMP IN THE
IC DEVICE MANUFACTURING PROCESS 

CMP is primarily used today for polishing the insulating layers and   
tungsten plugs in IC devices. However, we believe there are a number of other   
applications for CMP in the IC device manufacturing process. We have undertaken 
research, developed and successfully tested slurries for two applications that  
we expect to be able to commercialize in the next three years. First, we have   
developed and successfully tested CMP slurries for polishing copper because we  
believe copper will increasingly be used in the future for both wiring and      
conductive plugs because it conducts electricity better than aluminum and       
tungsten. However, there are significant technological challenges and operating 
issues that must be addressed before IC device manufacturers switch to copper   
from aluminum and tungsten. To date, only a very limited number of IC device    
manufacturers have switched to copper and their production using copper is very 
limited.                                                                        

     Second, we have developed and successfully tested CMP slurries to planarize
the polysilicon material often used to build the electronic components on IC    
devices. As the number of these electronic components per IC device increases,  
we believe that the use of polysilicon CMP will increase.                       

    We have also successfully tested and commenced limited commercial sales of
CMP slurries for use in connection with an IC device manufacturing process known
as shallow trench isolation, which is currently being used by some of the       
leading IC device manufacturers. Shallow trench isolation is a relatively new   
method of isolating the electronic components built on silicon wafers of an IC  
device to prevent short circuits and other electrical interference. Shallow     
trench isolation uses CMP before the first insulating layer is put down on the  
wafer. Isolation methods used prior to shallow trench isolation did not use CMP.
By using CMP in conjunction with shallow trench isolation, IC device            
manufacturers can achieve greater miniaturization and density of their IC       
devices.                                                                        

STRATEGY

 Our objective is to maximize our profitability and stockholder value by
maintaining and leveraging our leading position in the CMP slurry market. Our   
proven track record increases the propensity for IC device manufacturers to work
with us in the early stages of product development for their next generation IC 
devices. In addition, IC device manufacturers would likely incur significant    
evaluation and qualification costs if they switch to a new CMP slurry.          

We will pursue the following strategies to achieve our objective:     

REMAIN THE TECHNOLOGY LEADER IN CMP SLURRIES                                    

   We believe that technology is key to success in the CMP slurry market and
we plan to continue to devote significant resources to research and development.
We need to keep pace with the rapid technological advances in the semiconductor 
industry so we can continue to deliver products that                            

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meet our customers' evolving needs. We intend to use our advanced research and  
development, polishing and metrology capabilities to:                           

- advance our understanding of our customers' technology, processes, and        
performance requirements for qualified products;                            

- further improve the chemical and mechanical qualities of our CMP products; and

- demonstrate and deliver advanced CMP solutions to the semiconductor industry. 

BUILD AND MAINTAIN CUSTOMER INTIMACY                                            

    We believe that building close relationships with our customers is another
key to success in the CMP slurry market. We work closely with our customers to  
research and develop new and better CMP slurries, to integrate our slurries into
their manufacturing processes and to assist them with supply, warehousing,      
packaging and inventory management. We plan to continue to devote significant   
resources to enhancing our close customer relationships.                        

EXPAND GLOBALLY                                                                 

We believe that having production facilities and personnel and other  
resources in strategic locations around the world is key to the success of our  
business, particularly in light of increased IC device manufacturing in Asia.   
Accordingly, we have established a global presence by opening production        
facilities in Barry, Wales and Geino, Japan. We also have assembled a team of   
account managers and independent distributors strategically located in Europe,  
Taiwan, Singapore, Japan and Korea and technical support and sales personnel    
throughout the United States and in Europe and Asia. We intend to expand our    
production capacity, technical support and sales in many of the locations around
the world where IC device production is concentrated.                           

ATTRACT AND RETAIN TOP QUALITY PERSONNEL                                        

    We have assembled a highly skilled and dedicated workforce that includes a
wide range of scientists and applications specialists, many of whom have        
significant experience in the semiconductor industry. We plan to continue to    
attract and retain experienced personnel committed to providing high performance
products and strong customer and applications support.                          

MAINTAIN TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SUPPLY                                        

     Our customers demand consistent high quality products and a reliable source
of supply. We will continually advance our strict quality controls to improve   
the uniformity and consistency of performance of our CMP products. The capacity 
and location of our production facilities throughout the United States and in   
Europe and Asia allow us to provide a reliable supply chain to meet our         
customers' CMP slurry requirements in a consistent, timely manner.              

EXPAND INTO NEW APPLICATIONS AND PRODUCTS                                       

We intend to leverage our CMP experience and technology into new      
applications and products. Starting from our core CMP slurries designed for     
polishing the insulating layers of IC devices, we have developed and introduced 
new slurries for CMP polishing of the tungsten plugs currently used to connect  
the wiring between multiple layers of IC devices and for CMP polishing of the   
magnetic heads and the coating on hard disks in hard disk drives. We have also  
developed CMP slurries for polishing the aluminum and copper wiring layers of IC
devices. Additionally, we are using our knowledge of CMP materials to expand    
into the production of CMP polishing pads so that we can provide our customers  
with a broader range of applications and materials used in the CMP process.     

PRODUCTS

CMP SLURRIES FOR IC DEVICES                                                     

We produce CMP slurries of various formulations for polishing a wide  
variety of materials. We have developed new, improved generations of each of our
slurries as well as new slurries to keep pace with our customers' evolving      
needs. We currently produce more than ten slurries for polishing the oxide      
insulating layers of IC devices, which is the                                   

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most common use of CMP in the IC device manufacturing process. We have          
introduced new generations of oxide slurries that reduce both defectivity in IC 
devices and the required polishing time. While our oxide CMP slurries are also  
used to polish poly-silicon material, we have developed a CMP slurry            
specifically engineered to polish this material which offers improved           
selectivity to poly-silicon and fine poly-silicon surface finish.               

     We also manufacture more than seven slurry products for polishing tungsten.
As with our oxide slurries, we have introduced new generations of slurries for  
polishing tungsten that offer improvements in polishing performance. These      
improvements include faster polishing rates, greater polishing uniformity and   
reduced defectivity.                                                            

   The following table shows our primary products and the surfaces polished,
primary features and end uses:                                                  

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

PRODUCT            SURFACE POLISHED       PRIMARY FEATURES           END USES        
                                                                                     
SC112              Oxide                  Original formulation       IC devices      
SC1                Oxide                  Concentrate form of SC112  IC devices      
Semi-Sperse(R)12   Oxide                  High polishing rate        IC devices      
Semi-Sperse(R)25   Oxide                  High polishing rate        IC devices      
                                          concentrate                                
Semi-Sperse(R)AM100 Oxide                 High purity                IC devices      
Semi-Sperse(R)AM100C Oxide                High purity                IC devices      
Semi-Sperse(R)D7000 Oxide                 Low defectivity            IC devices      
Semi-Sperse(R)P1000 Polysilicon           High selectivity           IC devices      
Semi-Sperse(R)FE400* Tungsten             Low erosion                IC devices      
Semi-Sperse(R)WA400* Tungsten             Low erosion                IC devices      
Semi-Sperse(R)W2000 Tungsten              High performance           IC devices      
Semi-Sperse(R)W2585 Tungsten              Low dishing, erosion       IC devices      
Lustra(TM)2090     Coating on hard disks  Low defectivity            Hard disk drives

---------------                                                                 
* These two products are sold together as a package.                            

CMP SLURRIES FOR HARD DISK DRIVES                                               

    In 1998 we introduced CMP slurries for CMP polishing of the magnetic heads
and the coating on hard disks in hard disk drives. We believe this CMP          
application can significantly improve the surface finish of these coatings,     
resulting in greater storage capacity of the substrates. We also believe that   
this CMP application will improve the speed and reliability of information      
exchange between the hard disks and the magnetic heads in hard disk drives. In  
addition, we believe that, as with IC device manufacturers, CMP can also improve
the production efficiency of manufacturers of hard disk drives by helping them  
increase their throughput and yield.                                            

   We developed our CMP slurries for hard disk drives by leveraging our core
slurry technology and manufacturing capacity and hiring personnel directly from 
the industry who understand the needs of hard disk drive manufacturers. We also 
established a dedicated research and development team and an applications       
support team who employ a process solution approach similar to what we use for  
our other slurry products. We believe that these markets offer significant      
potential and that our products in this area offer superior performance over    
currently used materials. We began commercial sale of these products in 1999. We
have generated more than $1.5 million of sales from these products during 1999. 

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POLISHING PADS                                                                  

  CMP polishing pads are consumable materials used in the CMP process that
work in conjunction with the CMP slurry to facilitate the polishing process.    
There are two principal types of CMP polishing pads used with CMP slurries:     

- a round pad that is designed to be affixed to a platform which moves in a     
rotary or orbital motion; and                                               

- a developing technology in which a belt, roll or web polishing pad is affixed 
to a platform that moves in a linear motion.                                

Both types of polishing pads are consumed during the CMP process as their       
surface becomes worn by the polishing action.                                   

  The CMP polishing pad market is currently led by one principal supplier,
Rodel, which we believe has an approximately 90% share of the CMP polishing pad 
market. Based on discussions with our customers as well as our own examination  
of the CMP polishing pad market, we identified demand for higher quality, more  
reliable and consistent polishing pads and the opportunity to jointly market our
CMP slurries and polishing pads to our existing customers.                      

   Our first series of polishing pads, which was introduced in July 1999, is
designed for tungsten applications. In early 2000, our tungsten pad was         
qualified by a major semiconductor manufacturer's process and we made our first 
commercial sales of CMP polishing pads to this customer. We expect to introduce 
an extended line of polishing pads in 2000. We believe that our CMP polishing   
pads, which we manufacture using materials supplied by third parties, offer     
advantages over currently available CMP polishing pads. These advantages include
higher removal rates, longer life and more uniform polishing. We also believe   
that our new pad production technology provides fundamental improvements over   
existing manufacturing methods that will result in increased pad consistency and
reliability. We further believe the compatibility of our CMP polishing pads and 
slurries will enhance our ability to jointly market these products to our       
existing and future customers.                                                  

    We have had limited experience in developing and marketing polishing pads,
however. The development and production of polishing pads involve technologies  
and production processes that are new to us. In addition, our polishing pads are
based on new pad production technology. We or the suppliers of the raw materials
that we use to make our polishing pads may not be able to solve any             
technological or production problems that we or they may encounter. In addition,
if we or these suppliers are unable to keep pace with technological or other    
developments in the design and production of polishing pads, we will probably   
not be competitive in the polishing pad market. For these reasons, the expansion
of our business into this new product area may not be successful.               

CUSTOMERS, SALES AND MARKETING

   We primarily market our products directly to IC device manufacturers. For
the three months ended December 31, 1999, our five largest customers accounted  
for approximately 53% of our revenue, with Intel accounting for approximately   
14% of our revenue, Marketech accounting for approximately 15% of our revenue,  
and Takasago accounting for approximately 11% of our revenue. For 1999, our five
largest customers accounted for approximately 58% of our revenue, with Intel    
accounting for approximately 22% of our revenue, Marketech accounting for       
approximately 15% of our revenue, and Takasago accounting for approximately 10% 
of our revenue. Marketech and Takasago are distributors. We believe that in the 
same year sales of our products to our five largest end user customers accounted
for approximately 45% of our revenue. We currently have a supply contract with  
Intel for the supply of CMP slurry products over the three year period beginning
in January 1999 at specified prices.                                            

Our marketing begins with development teams who work closely with our 
customers, using our research and development facilities, to design CMP slurry  
products tailored to our                                                        

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customers' needs. We then employ our applications teams who work with customers 
to integrate our slurry products into customers' manufacturing processes.       
Finally, we utilize our logistics and sales personnel to ensure reliable supply,
warehousing, packaging and inventory management. Through our interactive        
approach, we build close relationships with our customers across a variety of   
areas.                                                                          

We also market our products through independent distributors and other
industry suppliers. We currently utilize independent distributors in Europe,    
Taiwan and Singapore, who add to our global presence by complementing our       
support personnel already located in those regions. By using our relationships  
with other suppliers in the CMP industry, such as suppliers of polishing        
equipment, we obtain client leads and recommendations of our products.          

    The IC device manufacturing industry is currently experiencing significant
growth in Asia. As a result, we have increased our focus on markets in Asia over
the last few years by increasing the number of account managers and applications
and customer support personnel present in this region. By building this regional
infrastructure, we have demonstrated a commitment to the Asian marketplace and  
global expansion generally. We intend to make additional concentrated           
investments in this region over the next few years.                             

CABOT AS OUR RAW MATERIALS SUPPLIER 

   The base ingredients for most of our CMP slurries are fumed metal oxides,
primarily fumed silica, which is an ultra-fine, high purity silica produced by a
flame process, and, to a much lesser extent, fumed alumina. Sales of CMP        
slurries represented approximately 97% of our total revenue in 1999. Cabot is   
currently our exclusive supplier of fumed metal oxides. Under our new fumed     
metal oxide supply agreement with Cabot, which will become effective upon       
completion of this offering, Cabot will continue to be our exclusive supplier of
fumed metal oxides, including fumed silica, for our existing slurry products.   
Although the agreement does not require us to purchase fumed metal oxides from  
Cabot for slurry products that we develop in the future, we expect that Cabot   
will be our primary supplier of fumed metal oxides for these products as well.  
Over 90% of the fumed metal oxides that we currently purchase from Cabot are    
manufactured at its facility in Tuscola, Illinois.                              

     Our agreement with Cabot contains the following terms with respect to fumed
silica:                                                                         

- provisions for a fixed annual increase in the price of fumed silica of        
 approximately 2% of the initial price and additional increases if Cabot's raw
material costs increase;                                                    

- provisions requiring Cabot to supply us with fumed silica in volumes specified
by us;                                                                      

- provisions limiting Cabot's obligation to supply us with fumed metal oxides   
from each of its Tuscola, Illinois and Barry, Wales facilities to specified 
volumes from each facility;                                                 

- provisions requiring us to supply Cabot with quarterly, six-month, annual and 
  18-month forecasts of our expected fumed silica purchases and limiting Cabot's
  obligations to provide us with fumed silica to specified percentages in excess
of these forecasted volumes;                                                

- provisions that limit the amount we can forecast for any month to an amount no
greater than 20% of the forecasted amount for the previous month;           

- provisions requiring us to purchase at least 90% of the six-month volume      
forecast and to pay specified damages to Cabot if we purchase less than that
amount;                                                                     

- provisions obligating us to pay all reasonable costs incurred by Cabot to     
provide quality control testing at levels greater than Cabot provides to its
other customers; and                                                        

- provisions that generally prohibit us from reselling any fumed silica         
purchased from Cabot.                                                       

   We estimate that the aggregate maximum payments we will make to Cabot for
fumed metal oxides under our new agreement with Cabot, taking into account the  
approximately 2% annual price increases but not possible                        

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price increases for increases in Cabot's raw material costs, will be            
approximately $18.7 million for the remaining six months in 2000, $50.4 million 
in 2001 and $64.7 million in 2002. These estimates are based on a number of     
assumptions, including assumptions regarding the growth of our business, which  
may turn out to be wrong. Our actual aggregate payments to Cabot under our new  
agreement with Cabot for these periods may be more or less than these estimates.

     It is difficult to assess whether the prices we will pay to Cabot for fumed
metal oxides under our new agreement with Cabot are the same as or different    
than the prices we could have obtained in arm's-length negotiations with an     
unaffiliated third party in light of the long-term nature of the contract, the  
volumes provided for under the agreement and our particular quality             
requirements.                                                                   

  Under the new agreement, Cabot will also supply us with fumed alumina on
terms generally similar to those described above, except that the forecast      
requirements do not apply to fumed alumina. The new agreement prohibits Cabot   
from selling fumed metal oxides to third parties for use in CMP applications.   

 Under the new agreement, Cabot warrants that its products will meet our
agreed upon product specifications. We have no right to any consequential,      
special or incidental damages for breach of that warranty or any other provision
of the agreement. Cabot will be obligated to replace noncompliant products with 
products that meet the agreed upon specifications. The new agreement also       
provides that any change to product specifications for fumed metal oxides must  
be by mutual agreement. Any increased costs due to product specification changes
will be paid by us. If we require product specification changes that Cabot      
cannot meet, we will have the right to purchase products meeting those          
specifications from other suppliers.                                            

   Historically, we did not provide detailed product specifications to Cabot
and Cabot permitted us to return some products even if they met our             
specifications. Under our new agreement, we will provide detailed specifications
to Cabot and will have no contractual right to return products that meet these  
specifications.                                                                 

  The agreement has an initial term that expires in June 2005. Thereafter,
the agreement may be terminated by either party on June 30 or December 31 in any
year with at least 18 months prior written notice.                              

    It may be difficult to secure alternative sources of fumed metal oxides in
the event Cabot encounters supply or production problems or terminates or       
breaches its agreement with us. A significant reduction in the amount of fumed  
metal oxides supplied by Cabot, a problem with the quality of those fumed metal 
oxides or a prolonged interruption in their supply by Cabot could interfere with
our ability to produce our CMP slurries in the quantities and of the quality    
required by our customers and in accordance with their delivery schedules.      

DISPERSIONS SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DAVIES                                      

Cabot has assigned to us a dispersions services agreement with Davies 
Imperial Coatings, Inc. pursuant to which Davies produces slurries for us. Under
this agreement, we provide raw materials, primarily fumed silica, to Davies and 
it performs dispersion services. The price for these services is set at a       
negotiated price, subject to increases. We have agreed to purchase minimum      
amounts of services for each year of the agreement. If Davies fails to supply us
with required dispersions services, we have the right to provide these services 
for ourselves or purchase them from third parties. The agreement provides for   
renegotiation of the price paid for dispersions services on each two-year       
anniversary of the agreement in order to reflect changes in Davies'             
manufacturing costs. We have also agreed to invest during each year $150,000 in 
capital improvements, capacity expansions and other expenditures to maintain    
capacity at the Davies dispersions facility in Hammond, Indiana. We own most of 
the dispersions equipment at the Davies facility.                               

    Under the agreement, we must give Davies the opportunity to bid to provide
dispersion services for some of our products. Davies and its controlling        
stockholders agree                                                              

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that, during the term of the agreement and for a period after the termination of
the agreement, they will not provide, nor assist any other person or entity in  
providing, metal oxide dispersion services to any of our competitors. Under some
circumstances, we must pay these individuals noncompetition payments on the date
of the termination of the agreement and on the first anniversary of the         
termination.                                                                    

 The agreement has an initial term that expires in October, 2004, and is
automatically renewed for one-year periods thereafter, unless either party gives
written notice to the other of its intention to terminate the agreement at least
90 days prior to the expiration of the term.                                    

DISPERSIONS SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH CABOT

    Dispersions of fumed metal oxides are used in a variety of applications in
addition to CMP. These applications include paper applications and coatings such
as paints. In the past, Cabot has developed and sold fumed metal oxides         
dispersions for these non-CMP applications, and intends to continue this        
business after this offering and the expected spin-off. We performed dispersion 
services for Cabot prior to our incorporation and Cabot intends to continue to  
rely on us for these services in the future. Accordingly, we have entered into a
dispersions services agreement with Cabot, which will become effective upon     
completion of this offering, under which we will continue to offer fumed metal  
oxide dispersions services to Cabot, including the manufacturing, packaging and 
testing of dispersions. Less than 10% of our current dispersions capacity will  
be devoted to Cabot. The agreement provides that some dispersion services may be
subcontracted by us to Davies but we will remain liable for these services. The 
dispersions services that we will provide to Cabot must be performed at our     
facilities in Aurora, Illinois and Barry, Wales or at the Davies facility. Under
the agreement, Cabot will supply us with the fumed metal oxide particles        
necessary for the manufacture of the dispersions.                               

 We will charge Cabot for dispersion services that we perform under this
agreement at our dispersion manufacturing cost, as defined in the agreement,    
plus 25% of this cost in the case of dispersion services we perform at our      
dispersions facilities in Aurora, Illinois and Barry, Wales and 10% of this cost
in the case of dispersion services that we subcontract to Davies and which are  
performed by Davies at its dispersions facility in Hammond, Indiana.            

Our agreement with Cabot also contains the following terms:           

- provisions limiting our obligation to provide Cabot with dispersions to stated
maximum annual volumes for each of the three facilities;                    

- provisions requiring Cabot to supply us with quarterly, six-month, annual and 
18-month forecasts of their expected dispersions purchases and limiting our 
obligation to provide Cabot with dispersions to specified percentages in    
excess of these forecasted volumes;                                         

- provisions that provide that if we develop any intellectual property in the   
  course of performing dispersion services for Cabot, that intellectual property
will be jointly owned by us and Cabot;                                      

- provisions that provide that if we develop any intellectual property outside  
  of performing dispersion services for Cabot and use that intellectual property
 in performing dispersion services for Cabot, then we are obligated to license
Cabot that intellectual property in exchange for a royalty payment;         

- provisions that generally prohibit Cabot from engaging a third party to       
provide dispersion services unless we are unable to supply the requested or 
agreed upon services, although Cabot retains the right to manufacture fumed 
metal oxide dispersions itself or have Davies provide these services; and   

- provisions that generally prohibit us from performing dispersion services for 
third parties whose products compete with any Cabot product or from selling 
dispersion products in applications, other than CMP, that compete with any  
Cabot product.                                                              

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   The agreement has an initial term that expires in June, 2005. Thereafter,
the agreement may be terminated by either party on June 30 or December 31 in any
year with at least 18 months prior written notice. If Cabot terminates the      
agreement, Cabot cannot purchase fumed metal oxides dispersion services from one
of our competitors. If we terminate the agreement, Cabot may purchase fumed     
metal oxide dispersions services from any party without restriction.            

NEGOTIATIONS WITH CABOT 
REGARDING FUMED ALUMINA SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT

We have experienced increased demand for one of our CMP slurries for  
polishing tungsten plugs and expect to experience in the future increased demand
for our CMP slurries for polishing copper wiring and conductive plugs. Fumed    
alumina is an essential raw material for these slurries. We currently purchase  
our fumed alumina from Cabot and expect to continue to do so after this offering
and the spin-off. In order to meet our anticipated future needs for fumed       
alumina, Cabot needs to construct a new facility for the manufacture of fumed   
alumina. We are currently in negotiations with Cabot regarding changes to our   
fumed alumina supply arrangements. We have not reached final agreement with     
Cabot on any of the terms of a new arrangement. Based on our negotiations to    
date with Cabot, however, we expect that the price Cabot will charge us for     
fumed alumina will be based on its fixed and variable costs for producing the   
fumed alumina plus its capital costs for constructing the new facility plus an  
agreed upon percentage of those costs. The payments in respect of the capital   
costs will be amortized over a ten year period. Cabot estimates that the new    
facility will cost between $4.5 million and $6.0 million. In addition, based on 
our negotiations with Cabot, we would expect that the new plant would be        
dedicated to satisfying our fumed alumina requirements and that we would have a 
right of first option on all production and capacity at the plant.              

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

   We believe our future competitive position depends in part on our ability
to develop CMP applications tailored to our customers' needs. To this end, we   
have established a technology center at our Aurora facility to provide          
applications and product support to customers and to develop new products to    
meet the needs of the semiconductor industry. The technology center is staffed  
by a team that includes experts from the semiconductor industry and scientists  
from key disciplines required for the development of high-performance CMP       
products. The technology center is equipped with an advanced polishing and      
metrology lab in a Class 10 clean room, a polishing lab in a Class 1000 clean   
room, laboratories for product development and dispersion technology, and a     
dispersions pilot plant. In our product development and dispersion technology   
laboratory, our skilled technical personnel conduct kinetic studies of the      
chemical reactions on the surface of the wafer. These kinetic data allow us to  
adjust the composition of our slurries to avoid, among other things, non-uniform
polishing patterns. Understanding the chemical processes on the surface of the  
polished wafer allows us to compose slurries specifically tailored to interact  
with one element and to slow or essentially stop planarization as soon as this  
particular element has been polished. We have also assembled dedicated          
development teams that work closely with customers to identify their specific   
technology and manufacturing challenges and to translate these challenges into  
viable CMP process solutions.                                                   

  We have historically purchased most of the equipment we use for research
and development. In September 1998, we entered into an agreement with a customer
under which we lease some CMP equipment in exchange for CMP slurries. This      
equipment includes five IC polishing machines, one hard disk drive polishing    
machine and various metrology equipment. The cost of this equipment can be      
significant and we need to upgrade our equipment periodically to keep pace with 
equipment developments in the semiconductor industry.                           

 We expensed approximately $14.6 million for research and development in
1999. Investments in research and development equip-                            

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ment are capitalized over their useful life and                                 
depreciated.                                                                    

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 

Our intellectual property is important to our success and ability to  
compete. We currently have ten U.S. patents and 31 pending U.S. patent          
applications covering CMP products and processes. In most cases we file         
counterpart foreign patent applications. Many of these patents are important to 
our continued development of new and innovative CMP products. We attempt to     
protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of patent,       
trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, as well as employee and third-party 
nondisclosure and assignment agreements. Our failure to obtain or maintain      
adequate protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could    
have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and       
financial condition.                                                            

     Significant litigation regarding intellectual property rights exists in our
industry. Cabot is currently involved in two separate legal actions brought     
against it by Rodel alleging that Cabot is infringing some of Rodel's patents.  
Although Cabot is the only named defendant in these lawsuits, we will agree to  
indemnify Cabot for any and all losses and expenses arising out of this         
litigation. For a further discussion of this litigation, see "-- Legal          
Proceedings".                                                                   

We cannot be certain that other third parties will not make a claim of
infringement against us. Any claims, even those without merit, could be time    
consuming to defend, result in costly litigation and/or require us to enter into
royalty or licensing agreements. These royalty or licensing agreements, if      
required, may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. A successful
claim of infringement against us could adversely affect our business, results of
operations and financial condition. See "-- Legal Proceedings".                 

    In addition, we have obtained a patent license from a third party covering
a polishing process used in the manufacturing of non-IC devices. Although we    
expect to independently develop a new technology which will eliminate our need  
for this licensed technology, there is no assurance that we will be successful  
in doing so or that we will be able to continue to license this technology      
beyond the eight years currently provided for in our license agreement.         

COMPETITION 

   We are aware of only four other manufacturers with significant commercial
sales of CMP slurries for IC devices. We expect the competition to continue to  
intensify. These manufacturers include Rodel, Fujimi, ChemFirst and Clariant. We
are aware of only three manufacturers with significant commercial sales of CMP  
slurries for polishing the magnetic heads and the coating on the hard disks in  
hard disk drives. These manufacturers include Rodel, Fujimi and Praxair. We may 
also face competition from:                                                     

- other companies that develop CMP products;                                    

- customers that currently have, or that may develop, in-house capacity to      
produce their own CMP products; and                                         

- the development of polishing pads containing abrasives or other significant   
changes in technology.                                                      

   We compete primarily on the basis of our product design, level of service
and, to a lesser extent, price. We believe that we presently compete favorably  
with respect to each of these factors. CMP products are evolving, however, and  
we cannot give you any assurance that we will compete successfully in the       
future. For a discussion of our market share of CMP slurries sold to IC device  
manufacturers worldwide, see "-- Our Company".                                  

PROPERTIES

Our principal U.S. facilities consist of:                             

- our global headquarters in Aurora, Illinois, comprising approximately 65,000  
square feet; and                                                            

- a commercial dispersions plant and technical center in Aurora, Illinois,      
comprising approximately 44,000 square feet.                                
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We are in the process of constructing an additional manufacturing and 
distribution center in Aurora, Illinois. The initial phase of this construction 
is planned to provide a facility of approximately 170,000 square feet that is   
scheduled to be in operation by our third fiscal quarter of 2000.               

 We also have a commercial dispersions plant in Geino, Japan, comprising
approximately 40,000 square feet. In addition, we will lease or sublease from   
Cabot the land and building at Cabot's dispersions facility in Barry, Wales. We 
are in the process of constructing a distribution center in Ansung, South Korea.
This approximately 16,000 square foot facility is scheduled for completion by   
the end of 2000.                                                                

    We believe that our current facilities are suitable and adequate for their
intended purposes and, together with our facilities under construction, provide 
us with sufficient capacity to meet our current and expected demand in the      
foreseeable future. However, if we were to encounter delays in the construction 
of our new facilities, we may face capacity constraints.                        

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS 

   Our facilities are subject to various environmental laws and regulations,
including those relating to air emissions, wastewater discharges, the handling  
and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, and occupational safety and health. 
We believe that our facilities are in substantial compliance with applicable    
environmental laws and regulations. Our facilities have incurred, and will      
continue to incur, capital and operating expenditures and other costs in        
complying with these laws and regulations in both the United States and abroad. 
However, we do not anticipate that the future costs of environmental compliance 
will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or     
results of operations.                                                          

EMPLOYEES 

   As of April 3, 2000, we employed a total of 281 individuals, including 24
in sales and marketing, 80 in research and development, 31 in administration and
146 in operations. None of our employees are covered by collective bargaining   
agreements. We have not experienced any work stoppages and consider our         
relations with our employees to be satisfactory.                                

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

 In June 1998, one of our major competitors, Rodel Inc., filed a lawsuit
against Cabot in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware  
entitled Rodel, Inc. v. Cabot Corporation (Civil Action No. 98-352). In this    
lawsuit, Rodel has requested a jury trial and is seeking a permanent injunction 
and an award of compensatory, punitive, and other damages relating to           
allegations that Cabot is infringing United States Patent No. 4,959,113         
(entitled "Method and Composition for Polishing Metal Surfaces"), which is owned
by an affiliate of Rodel. We refer to this patent as the Roberts patent and this
lawsuit as the Roberts lawsuit. Cabot filed an answer and counterclaim seeking  
dismissal of the Roberts lawsuit with prejudice, a judgment that Cabot is not   
infringing the Roberts patent and/or that the Roberts patent is invalid, and    
other relief. Cabot subsequently filed a motion for a summary judgment that the 
Rodel patent is invalid because all of the claims contained in the patent were  
not sufficiently different under applicable patent law from subject matter      
contained in previously granted patents, specifically United States Patents Nos.
4,705,566, 4,956,015 and 4,929,257, each of which is owned by a third party not 
affiliated with Rodel or us. This motion was denied on September 30, 1999 based 
on the court's finding that there were genuine issues of material fact to be    
determined at trial. Although the Roberts lawsuit is presently in the discovery 
stage and trial is scheduled to begin in November 2000, the trial date has not  
yet been scheduled. After the ruling on the summary judgment motion, Rodel filed
a request for reexamination of the Roberts patent with the United States Patent 
and Trademark Office, which was granted on November 12, 1999.                   

     In April 1999, Rodel commenced a second lawsuit against Cabot in the United
States District Court for the District of Delaware entitled Rodel, Inc. v. Cabot
Corporation                                                                     

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(Civil Action No. 99-256). In this lawsuit,                                     
Rodel has requested a jury trial and is seeking a permanent injunction and an   
award of compensatory, punitive, and other damages relating to allegations that 
Cabot is infringing two other patents owned by an affiliate of Rodel. These two 
patents are United States Patent No. 5,391,258 (entitled "Compositions and      
Methods for Polishing") and United States Patent No. 5,476,606 (entitled        
"Compositions and Methods for Polishing"). We refer to these patents as the     
Brancaleoni patents and this lawsuit as the Brancaleoni lawsuit. Cabot has filed
an answer and counterclaim to the complaint seeking dismissal of the complaint  
with prejudice, a judgment that Cabot is not infringing the Brancaleoni patents 
and/or that the Brancaleoni patents are invalid, and other relief. The          
Brancaleoni lawsuit is presently in the discovery stage which was scheduled to  
be completed by February 25, 2000. Trial is presently scheduled to commence on  
December 4, 2000. The parties have jointly requested that the court extend these
dates.                                                                          

 In the Roberts lawsuit, the only product that Rodel to date has alleged
infringes the Roberts patent is our W2000 slurry, which is used to polish       
tungsten and which currently accounts for a significant portion of our total    
revenue. In the Brancaleoni lawsuit, Rodel has not alleged that any specific    
product infringes the Brancaleoni patents; instead, Rodel alleges that our      
United States Patent No. 5,858,813 (entitled "Chemical Mechanical Polishing     
Slurry for Metal Layers and Films" and which relates to a CMP polishing slurry  
for metal surfaces including, among other things, aluminum and copper) is       
evidence that Cabot is infringing the Brancaleoni patents through the           
manufacture and sales of unspecified products. At this stage, we cannot predict 
whether or to what extent Rodel will make specific infringement claims with     
respect to any of our products other than W2000 in these or any future          
proceedings. It is possible that Rodel will claim that many of our products     
infringe its patents.                                                           

Although Cabot is the only named defendant in these lawsuits, we have 
agreed to indemnify Cabot for any and all losses and expenses arising out of    
this litigation as well as any other litigation arising out of our business.    
While we believe there are meritorious defenses to the pending actions and      
intend to defend them vigorously, these defenses may not be successful. If Rodel
wins either of these cases, we may have to pay damages and, in the future, may  
be prohibited from producing any products found to infringe or required to pay  
Rodel royalty and licensing fees with respect to sales of those products.       

  In addition, we may be subject to future infringement claims by Rodel or
others with respect to our products and processes. Such claims, even if they are
without merit, could be expensive and time consuming to defend and if we were to
lose any future infringement claims we could be subject to injunctions, damages 
and/or royalty or licensing agreements. Royalty or licensing agreements, if     
required as a result of any pending or future claims, may not be available to   
use on acceptable terms or at all. Successful claims of infringement against us 
could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of         
operations.                                                                     

     Moreover, we have agreed to indemnify Intel, one of our major customers, up
to a maximum amount of $40.0 million, for any losses this customer may incur as 
a result of intellectual property claims brought against it arising out of its  
purchase or use of our products. Consequently, we may be obligated to indemnify 
this customer for any losses it incurs as a result of these claims even though  
we are not a party to these claims.                                             

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MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

   The following table contains information regarding our executive officers
and directors.                                                                  

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                NAME                   AGE                     POSITIONS                   
-------------------------------------  ---  -----------------------------------------------
                                                                                           
Kennett F. Burnes                      56   Chairman of the Board                          
Samuel W. Bodman                       61   Director                                       
William P. Noglows                     41   Director                                       
Juan Enriquez-Cabot                    40   Director designee                              
John P. Frazee, Jr.                    55   Director designee                              
Steven V. Wilkinson                    58   Director designee                              
Ronald L. Skates                       58   Director designee                              
Matthew Neville                        46   President and Chief Executive Officer, Director
William C. McCarthy                    56   Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,       
                                              Treasurer and Secretary                      
Daniel J. Pike                         36   Vice President of Operations                   
J. Michael Jenkins                     46   Vice President of Human Resources              
Bruce M. Zwicker                       47   Vice President of Sales and Marketing          
Chris C. Yu                            41   Technology and marketing specialist            

------------------------

KENNETT F. BURNES was elected Chairman of the Board of our company in 
December 1999. He has served as Cabot's Chief Operating Officer since 1996 and  
Cabot's President since 1995. He was elected a director of Cabot in 1992. Before
joining Cabot in 1987, Mr. Burnes was a partner at Choate, Hall & Stewart, a    
Boston-based law firm, where he practiced corporate and business law for nearly 
20 years. He received both his bachelor and law degrees from Harvard University.

     SAMUEL W. BODMAN was elected a director of our company in December 1999. He
has served as Cabot's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1988. Before   
joining Cabot, Mr. Bodman was President, Chief Operating Officer and a director 
of FMR Corp., the holding company overseeing all activities of Fidelity         
Investments. Mr. Bodman received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from         
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In addition to serving on Cabot's board, 
Mr. Bodman serves on the boards of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company,  
Security Capital Group Incorporated, Thermo Electron Corporation and Westvaco   
Corporation.                                                                    

   WILLIAM P. NOGLOWS was elected a director of our company in January 2000.
He has served as an Executive Vice President of Cabot since 1998 and serves as  
Director of Global Manufacturing and General Manager of Carbon Black. From 1984 
to 1998, he held various positions at Cabot, including General Manager of       
Cabot's Cab-O-Sil Division and Managing Director of Cabot Australasia. Mr.      
Noglows received his BS from Georgia Institute of Technology.                   

JUAN ENRIQUEZ-CABOT will become a director of our company prior to the
closing of this offering. Since August 1997 Mr. Enriquez-Cabot has been a       
researcher at Harvard University's David Rockefeller Center. From August 1996 to
August 1997 he was a senior researcher at Harvard Business School. From June    
1996 to August 1997 he was a fellow at Harvard University's Center for          
International Affairs. From June 1994 through June 1996 he was a director of    
Democracy and Development, a research institution in Mexico City, Mexico. He    
received both his bachelor and MBA degrees from Harvard University.             

JOHN P. FRAZEE, JR. will become a director of our company prior to the
closing of this offering. Since June 1999 he has served as Chairman and Chief   
Executive Officer of Paging Network, Inc., a provider of wireless communications
services. From August 1997 to June 1999 he served as Chairman, Presi-           

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dent and Chief Executive Officer of Paging                                      
Network. From September 1993 until August 1997 Mr. Frazee managed investments as
a private investor. From March 1993 until September 1993 he was President and   
Chief Operating Officer of Sprint Communications. In addition to serving on our 
board, Mr. Frazee serves on the boards of Dean Foods Company, Homestead Village,
Inc., Paging Network, Security Capital Group Incorporated and Vast Wireless     
Solutions. Mr. Frazee received his bachelor degree in political science from    
Randolph-Macon College.                                                         

STEVEN V. WILKINSON will become a director of our company prior to the
completion of this offering. He has been retired since September 1998. Prior to 
retirement, he worked for Arthur Andersen LLP, where he became a partner in     
April 1974. Mr. Wilkinson received his BA in economics from DePauw University   
and his MBA from the University of Chicago.                                     

RONALD L. SKATES will become a director of our company prior to the   
completion of this offering. He has been a private investor since October 1999. 
From 1989 to October 1999, Mr. Skates served as President and Chief Executive   
Officer and as a director of Data General Corporation, a computer systems       
company. He received both his bachelor and MBA degrees from Harvard University. 
Mr. Skates is a director of Cabot Industrial Trust, a public real estate        
investment trust.                                                               

 MATTHEW NEVILLE has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer
since December 1999. He was elected a director of our company in December 1999. 
Mr. Neville has served as a Vice President of Cabot since 1997 and as General   
Manager of our company since 1996. From 1983 to 1996, Mr. Neville held various  
positions at Cabot, including Director of Research and Development for Cabot's  
Cab-O-Sil Division. Mr. Neville received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Neville will resign as a Vice        
President of Cabot upon the closing of this offering.                           

WILLIAM C. MCCARTHY has served as our Vice President, Chief Financial 
Officer and Treasurer since December 1999 and as our Secretary since February   
2000. Mr. McCarthy has served as Chief Financial Officer since February 1999.   
From August 1998 to February 1999, Mr. McCarthy was pursuing personal interests 
and was not employed. From February 1976 to August 1998, Mr. McCarthy held      
various positions at Texas Instruments, including controller of Texas           
Instruments' Corporate Services division. Mr. McCarthy received his BS in       
business and his MBA from Texas A&M University.                                 

DANIEL J. PIKE has served as our Vice President of Operations since   
December 1999. Mr. Pike served as our Director of Global Operations from August 
1996 to December 1999. Mr. Pike worked for FMC Corporation's Pharmaceutical     
Division as a marketing manager from December 1993 until August 1996 and as a   
financial analyst from June 1992 until December 1993. Mr. Pike received his BS  
in chemical engineering from the University of Buffalo and his MBA from Wharton 
School of Business of University of Pennsylvania.                               

J. MICHAEL JENKINS has served as our Vice President of Human Resources
since December 1999. Mr. Jenkins has served as our Director of Human Resources  
since May 1999. From August 1984 until May 1999, Mr. Jenkins was employed for 15
years by Gas Chromatography Division of Hewlett-Packard holding various         
positions, including Human Resources and Quality Manager. Mr. Jenkins received  
his MA in human resources from Lincoln University.                              

  BRUCE M. ZWICKER has served as our Vice President of Sales and Marketing
since December 1999. Mr. Zwicker has served as our Director, Global Business and
Sales from 1997 to December 1999. Since February 1988, Mr. Zwicker has held     
various positions with Cabot, including Dispersion Products Line Manager. Prior 
to joining Cabot, Mr. Zwicker worked for Unocal Corporation. Mr. Zwicker        
received his BS in microbiology from Purdue University.                         

CHRIS C. YU has served as a technology and marketing specialist since 
January 2000. From May 1999 until January 2000, Mr. Yu served as our Director of
Research and Technology. After indicating his desire to                         
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leave our company in January 2000, Mr. Yu decided to resign from that position  
but to remain with our company and focus on product development of CMP slurries 
for copper-based applications and technology-based applications for customers.  
From April 1998 to May 1999, Mr. Yu served as our Director of Interconnect      
Technology. From January 1996 to April 1998, Mr. Yu served as our Program       
Manager for Tungsten Technology. From August 1994 to January 1996, Mr. Yu was   
employed by Rockwell International as Advanced Process Methods principal        
engineer leading the development of planarization technologies. Mr. Yu has also 
held various positions with Motorola and Micron Technology. Mr. Yu received his 
Ph.D. in physics from Pennsylvania State University.                            

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  Our board of directors is currently composed of four directors. Prior to
the completion of this offering, we will increase our board of directors to     
include four independent directors.                                             

    We intend to amend our certificate of incorporation to divide the board of
directors into three classes: Class I, whose terms will expire at the annual    
meeting of stockholders to be held in 2001, Class II, whose terms will expire at
the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2002, and Class III, whose     
terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2003.     
Messrs. Noglows and Enriquez-Cabot are, or upon their appointment will be, in   
Class I. Messrs. Wilkinson, Skates and Burnes are, or upon their appointment    
will be, in Class II. Messrs. Bodman, Frazee, and Neville are, or upon their    
appointment will be, in Class III. At each annual meeting of stockholders       
beginning in 2001, the successors to directors whose terms will then expire will
be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third 
annual meeting following election.                                              

In addition, our certificate of incorporation will provide that the   
authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of
directors. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number
of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as  
possible, each class will consist of one-third of the total number of directors.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Prior to the completion of this offering, we will establish an audit  
committee and a compensation committee consisting of members of our board of    
directors. The audit committee will recommend the annual appointment of our     
auditors and review with our auditors the scope of audit and non-audit          
assignments and related fees, accounting principles we use in financial         
reporting, internal auditing procedures and the adequacy of our internal control
procedures. The audit committee will initially have three members, who will be  
Messrs. Enriquez-Cabot, Frazee, and Wilkinson. The compensation committee will  
review and approve the compensation and benefits for our employees, directors   
and consultants, administer our employee benefit plans, authorize and ratify    
stock option grants and other incentive arrangements and authorize employment   
and related agreements. The compensation committee will initially have three    
members, who will be Messrs. Burnes, Frazee and Wilkinson.                      

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS 

     Directors who are also our employees receive no additional compensation for
their services as directors. Except as set forth below, each of our directors   
who is not an employee of ours will receive:                                    

- upon his original appointment or election as a director, options to purchase  
15,000 shares of our common stock which will vest over a three year period; 

- on an annual basis, options to purchase 5,000 shares of our common stock which
will vest over a four year period;                                          

- a $10,000 annual fee;                                                         

- a $1,000 fee for attendance at each meeting of our board of directors or a    
committee of the board; and                                                 

- reimbursement of travel and other out-of-pocket costs incurred in attending   
meetings.                                                                   

As long as Cabot controls us, any director who is also an employee of Cabot will
not be                                                                          

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entitled to the $10,000 annual fee or the $1,000 fee for attendance at board and
committee meetings.                                                             

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Our board of directors appoints our executive officers. Our executive 
officers serve at the discretion of our board of directors.                     

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS 
AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION 

     In our fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, we did not have a compensation
committee or any other committee serving a similar function. Decisions as to the
compensation of executive officers were made by Cabot.                          

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 The following table sets forth certain compensation information for the
Chief Executive Officer and our four other executive officers who, based on     
employment with Cabot, were the most highly compensated for the fiscal year     
ended September 30, 1999. All of the information in this table reflects         
compensation earned by the listed individuals for services rendered to Cabot. In
connection with this offering, we have established employee benefit plans and   
arrangements so that, following this offering, the compensation and employee    
benefits of our executive officers and all of our other employees will be       
provided primarily by us. See "--Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans" and   
"Relationships Between Our Company and Cabot Corporation -- Employee Matters    
Agreement".                                                                     

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                                               LONG TERM                
                                                                              COMPENSATION              
                                              ANNUAL COMPENSATION             ------------              
                                     --------------------------------------    RESTRICTED               
                                                               OTHER ANNUAL      STOCK       ALL OTHER  
NAME AND                                                       COMPENSATION     AWARD(S)    COMPENSATION
PRINCIPAL POSITIONS            YEAR  SALARY($)    BONUS($)         ($)           ($)(1)        ($)(2)   
-------------------            ----  ----------   ---------    ------------   ------------  ------------
                                                                                                        
Matthew Neville..............  1999   190,000      100,000                      378,000         28,929  
  President and Chief                                                                                   
  Executive Officer                                                                                     
William C. McCarthy..........  1999   106,250       53,000(3)      82,711(4)    190,350(5)      10,102  
  Vice President, Chief                                                                                 
  Financial Officer,                                                                                    
  Treasurer and Secretary                                                                               
Daniel J. Pike...............  1999   146,250       60,000                      170,100         18,453  
  Vice President of                                                                                     
  Operations                                                                                            
Chris C. Yu..................  1999   162,637       65,000         45,000(6)    344,475(5)      21,078  
  Former Director of Research                                                                           
  and Technology                                                                                        
Bruce M. Zwicker.............  1999   132,728       48,000                       94,500         15,642  
  Vice President of Sales and                                                                           
  Marketing                                                                                             

---------------                                                                 
(1) The value of the shares of Cabot restricted stock set forth in the table was
   determined by subtracting the amount paid by the named executive officer to
    Cabot for the shares from the fair market value of the shares on the date of
grant. The following named executive officers were granted the following
    shares of Cabot restricted stock in the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999
under an equity incentive plan of Cabot: Mr. Neville, 20,000 shares; Mr.
  McCarthy, 7,500 shares; Mr. Pike, 9,000 shares; Mr. Yu, 15,000 shares; and
Mr. Zwicker, 5,000 shares.                                              

The number of shares and value (calculated at fair market value as of   
September 30, 1999 ($23.75 per share), less the amount paid by the named
 executive officer for the shares) of all shares of Cabot restricted stock
 held by the named executive officers on September 30, 1999 (including the
shares referred to in the column of the table headed "Restricted Stock  
Award(s)"), were as follows:                                            

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Mr. Neville, 44,000 shares ($589,750); Mr. McCarthy, 5,500 shares       
($118,475); Mr. Pike, 15,500 shares ($210,275); Mr. Yu, 14,500 shares   
($247,600); and Mr. Zwicker, 11,500 shares ($154,538).                  

   Except for a portion of the shares of Cabot restricted stock granted to Mr.
 McCarthy and Mr. Yu (see note 5 below), the restricted stock set forth in
    the table vests, in whole, three years from the date of grant. In accordance
with Cabot's long-term incentive compensation program under its equity  
  incentive plans, each of the named individuals paid to Cabot 30-40% of the
    fair market value of the shares of stock listed in this footnote on the date
  of grant. Some of the funds for the payment for this restricted stock were
  borrowed from Merrill Lynch Bank & Trust Co. by all of the named executive
officers under a loan facility available to all recipients of restricted
stock grants under this program. The recipients (including the named    
executive officers) borrowing funds from Merrill Lynch Bank & Trust are 
 obligated to pay interest on the loans at the prime rate and to repay the
funds borrowed. Shares purchased with borrowed funds must be pledged to 
    Merrill Lynch Bank & Trust as collateral for the loans when the restrictions
lapse. Cabot also guarantees payment of the loans in the event the      
recipients fail to honor their obligations. The loans are full recourse.
   Dividends are paid on the shares of restricted stock. In 1999, Cabot ceased
    using the loan facility, purchased the outstanding loan balance from Merrill
 Lynch Bank & Trust, and commenced to make loans under the program bearing
  interest at 6% per annum and otherwise on terms substantially identical to
the bank loans.                                                         

(2) The information in the column headed "All Other Compensation" includes (a)  
 matching contributions to Cabot's tax-qualified savings plan and accruals
 under a non-qualified supplemental savings plan, or CRISP, for the fiscal
    year ended September 30, 1999 and (b) contributions to Cabot's tax-qualified
employee stock ownership plan and accruals under a supplemental employee
   stock ownership plan, or ESOP, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999
on behalf of the named executive officers in the following amounts:     

                                                                [Download Table]

             NAME                 CRISP      ESOP  
             ----                 -----      ----  
                                                   
Mr. Neville....................  $ 15,763   $13,166
Mr. McCarthy...................  $  5,180   $ 4,337
Mr. Pike.......................  $ 11,039   $ 6,723
Mr. Yu.........................  $ 11,961   $ 8,288
Mr. Zwicker....................  $  9,435   $ 5,572

     Cabot provides Mr. Neville (but none of our other named executive officers)
with death benefit protection in the amount of three times his salary,
including $50,000 of group life insurance coverage. No amount has been
 included in the column headed "All Other Compensation" for this benefit
     because Cabot accrued no amount for the benefit and the benefit, other than
the group life insurance (which is available to all Cabot employees in
amounts determined by the level of their salaries), is not funded by  
insurance on Mr. Neville's life. Cabot funds the cost of the program  
 generally by insurance on the lives of various other present and former
   Cabot employees. The value of this benefit, based upon the taxable income
 it would constitute if it were insurance, does not exceed approximately
$1,500 per year for Mr. Neville. Cabot also provides our other named  
     executive officers with death benefit protection in the amount of one times
their salary. The value of this benefit to each of our named executive
  officers other than Mr. Neville (Mr. McCarthy, $585; Mr. Pike, $691; Mr.
 Yu, $829; and Mr. Zwicker, $636) is reflected in the column headed "All
Other Compensation".                                                  

(3) This figure reflects a $10,000 sign-on bonus paid to Mr. McCarthy. Mr.      
McCarthy's hire date was February 2, 1999.                              

(4) This figure reflects reimbursement of relocation expenses.                  

(5) 6,000 of the 7,500 shares of Cabot restricted stock Mr. McCarthy received,  
 and 6,000 of the 15,000 shares of Cabot restricted stock Mr. Yu received,
    were granted for no cash purchase price; Mr. McCarthy's 6,000 shares vest in
   equal increments in June, 1999, February, 2000 and February, 2001; Mr. Yu's
6,000 shares vest annually as follows: one-half in November, 1998,      
one-quarter on November 15, 1999 and one-quarter on November 15, 2000.  

(6) This figure reflects a reimbursement to Mr. Yu for income tax obligations on
shares of restricted stock awarded to him.                              

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AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES 

    The following table sets forth information with respect to the exercise of
Cabot stock options by our named executive officers during 1999, the number of  
unexercised Cabot stock options held by named executive officers on September   
30, 1999, and the value of the unexercised in-the-money Cabot stock options on  
that date.                                                                      

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                        SECURITIES UNDERLYING        VALUE OF UNEXERCISED    
                                                         UNEXERCISED OPTIONS        IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT  
                                                        AT FISCAL YEAR-END(#)        FISCAL YEAR-END($)(1)   
                       SHARES ACQUIRED     VALUE     ---------------------------  ---------------------------
NAME                   ON EXERCISE(#)   REALIZED($)  EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE  EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE
----                   ---------------  -----------  -----------   -------------  -----------   -------------
                                                                                                             
Matthew Neville.......      2,400         37,275        5,000             --         80,031             --   
Chris C. Yu...........         --             --           --          7,150             --             --   

---------------                                                                 
(1) We determined the value of unexercised in-the-money options as of September 
  30, 1999 by taking the difference between the fair market value of a share
of Cabot common stock on September 30, 1999 ($23.75 per share) and the  
option exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares underlying the
options as of that date. Options held by Mr. Yu were out of the money on
that date, and we have therefore recorded no value for them.            

PENSION PLAN BENEFITS 

Prior to this offering, our employees, including our named executive  
officers, participated in Cabot's tax-qualified cash balance plan. This plan    
provides retirement benefits to plan participants based on their compensation   
and years of service, expressed as an account balance. In addition, prior to    
this offering, some of our named executive officers participated in Cabot's     
non-qualified supplemental cash balance plan, which provides supplemental       
retirement benefits not available under the cash balance plan by reason of      
limitations set by the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income 
Security Act. We do not intend to sponsor a tax-qualified or a supplemental cash
balance plan, and, accordingly, all of our employees will stop accruing benefits
under these plans in connection with this offering.                             

COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS 

 We have adopted various employee benefit plans and arrangements for the
purpose of providing compensation and employee benefits to our employees after  
this offering, including our executive officers. Some of these plans are        
described below. These plans and arrangements include an equity incentive plan, 
an employee stock purchase plan, a tax-qualified savings plan and a             
non-qualified supplemental savings plan. To the extent necessary or advisable   
under applicable law, Cabot, as our sole stockholder, will approve these plans  
prior to this offering.                                                         

LONG-TERM INCENTIVES                                                            

We have adopted the Cabot Microelectronics Corporation 2000 Equity    
Incentive Plan, and Cabot, as our sole stockholder, has approved the plan. The  
following description of certain features of the plan is qualified in its       
entirety by reference to the full text of the plan.                             

  Some of our employees (including our executive officers) hold options to
acquire Cabot common stock granted under Cabot's equity incentive plans. In     
connection with the distribution, we and Cabot are considering giving these     
employees the choice of retaining these awards or receiving, in consideration   
for the cancellation of these awards, replacement awards under our 2000 Equity  
Incentive Plan. These replacement awards will be subject to the same terms and  
conditions as in effect prior to the cancellation of the prior Cabot awards,    
except that (1) our common stock will be substituted for Cabot common stock     
subject to the awards, and (2) the replacement awards will be adjusted to       
preserve the intrinsic value to the holders immediately prior to cancellation of
the prior Cabot awards. Some of our employees also hold shares of Cabot         
restricted stock, and we do not expect that these awards will be cancelled and  
replaced with replacement awards.                                               

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 General; Shares Available for Issuance under the Plan.  The 2000 Equity
Incentive Plan will enable us to make awards of options and restricted stock    
(including purchase restricted stock) to eligible employees, directors,         
consultants and advisers of our company and our affiliates. We believe that the 
plan will also provide us with flexibility in designing and providing incentive 
compensation in order to attract and retain individuals who are in a position to
make significant contributions to our success, to reward individuals for past   
contributions and to encourage individuals to take into account our long-term   
interests through ownership of our common stock. Subject to adjustment for stock
splits and similar events, the maximum number of shares of common stock that may
be issued under the plan is 3.5 million shares. This number does not include    
shares which will become available under the plan because of events such as     
forfeitures, methods of cashless exercise and open market repurchases. Because  
options issued under the plan will not be exercisable until after the spin-off, 
the issuance of these options will not require us to issue any of our common    
stock until that date. Awards of shares of our common stock, including          
restricted stock, may be made by us under the plan. Prior to the spin-off,      
however, we cannot issue any shares of our common stock if doing so would reduce
Cabot's percentage ownership in us to less than 80.5%.                          

    Administration; Eligible Grantees.  The 2000 Equity Incentive Plan will be
administered by our full board or our compensation committee, consisting of at  
least one member of our board of directors. However, if required by law, this   
committee will consist of at least two members of our board, neither of whom may
be one of our employees. Officers and other key employees (including employees  
of our subsidiaries) who are responsible for or contribute to the management,   
growth or profitability of our business and the business of our subsidiaries are
eligible to receive awards under the plan, but no employee may receive awards   
under the plan in any calendar year covering more than 300,000 shares of common 
stock. Our directors, advisers and consultants, as well as individuals who are  
employees of our affiliates, may also receive awards under the plan.            

  Stock Options.  The compensation committee may grant stock options under
the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. Stock options enable the holder of the option to
purchase shares of our common stock at a price specified by the compensation    
committee at the time the award is made. The plan permits the granting of stock 
options that qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the        
Internal Revenue Code and stock options that do not qualify for incentive stock 
option treatment. The compensation committee determines the per share exercise  
price of all stock options and, as a general rule, this price may not be less   
than the fair market value of a share of common stock at the time of grant.     
Options granted in connection with this offering will be granted at the initial 
public offering price. Prior to the spin-off, the exercisability of vested stock
options will be limited so that Cabot's percentage ownership in us will not drop
below 80.5%. The compensation committee will determine when an option may be    
exercised and its term, but the term may not exceed ten years.                  

  Restricted Stock.  The compensation committee may grant restricted stock
under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. In general, an award of restricted stock  
entitles the recipient to shares of common stock, subject to restrictions       
determined by the compensation committee. The compensation committee may require
the recipient to provide consideration for the restricted stock as a condition  
to the grant of the restricted stock. Restrictions on restricted stock lapse as 
specified by the compensation committee at the time of grant. Until the         
restrictions lapse, shares of restricted stock are non-transferable. Recipients 
of restricted stock have all rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares,
including voting and dividend rights, subject only to the conditions and        
restrictions generally applicable to restricted stock or to other restrictions  
and conditions specifically set forth in the award agreement.                   

    Effect of Termination of Employment.  As a general rule, the effect that a
termination of employment will have on a holder's awards will be set forth in   
his or her award agree-                                                         

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ment. We expect that some terminations, such as terminations upon death or for  
permanent disability, may result in the accelerated vesting of options and the  
lapsing of restrictions on restricted stock. We also expect that other          
terminations will result in the forfeiture of unvested options and restricted   
stock.                                                                          

Adjustments for Changes in Capitalization; Change in Control.  The    
compensation committee will make appropriate adjustments to the maximum number  
of shares of common stock that may be delivered under the plan and to           
outstanding awards to reflect stock dividends, stock splits, and similar changes
in capitalization. When granting awards under the plan, the compensation        
committee may provide for the accelerated vesting of options, and for the       
immediate lapsing of restrictions on restricted stock in the event of a "Change 
in Control" (as defined in the plan).                                           

Amendment and Termination.  The compensation committee may at any time
discontinue granting awards under the plan. Our board of directors may at any   
time amend the plan or terminate the plan as to any further grants of awards.   
However, none of these actions may, without the approval of our stockholders,   
increase the maximum number of shares of common stock available under the plan, 
extend the time within which awards may be granted, or amend the provisions of  
the plan relating to amendments. Nor may any of these actions adversely affect  
the rights of a holder of any previously granted award.                         

GRANTS UNDER THE 2000 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN 

   In connection with this offering, we intend to grant stock options to all
of our directors and employees, including our executive officers, under the 2000
Equity Incentive Plan. An aggregate of 988,240 shares of common stock are       
issuable upon the exercise of these options, and the exercise price of these    
options will be the initial public offering price. The following table sets     
forth the number of shares of our common stock underlying these options:        

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                               NUMBER OF SHARES 
NAME AND POSITIONS                                            UNDERLYING OPTIONS
------------------                                            ------------------
                                                                                
Matthew Neville.............................................         90,000     
  President and Chief Executive Officer, Director                               
William C. McCarthy.........................................         36,000     
  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and                        
     Secretary                                                                  
Daniel J. Pike..............................................         45,000     
  Vice President of Operations                                                  
J. Michael Jenkins..........................................         30,000     
  Vice President of Human Resources                                             
Bruce M. Zwicker............................................         36,000     
  Vice President of Sales and Marketing                                         
Executive officers as a group (5 persons)...................        237,000     
Non-employee directors as a group (7 persons)...............        260,000     
All employees as a group (281 persons)......................        728,240     

     In addition, we intend to grant options to acquire 257,300 shares of common
stock under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan to Cabot employees who are not       
directors of our company. The exercise price for these options will be the      
initial public offering price.                                                  

     Up to one-third of the foregoing options to be granted to our employees and
directors will generally vest upon their grant and the balance of these options 
will vest over a two to four year period. The foregoing options granted to Cabot
employees in their capacities as Cabot employees vest in their entirety upon    
their grant.                                                                    

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ANNUAL INCENTIVES                                                               

We intend to make annual cash bonuses to our employees, including our 
executive officers, to provide them with an incentive to carry out our business 
plan and to reward them for having done so. We intend to set performance goals  
in each fiscal year at the beginning of the fiscal year, and we intend to base  
the bonuses on an evaluation of our performance in the light of those goals.    

EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN                                                    

  We have adopted a 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, under which we have
initially reserved for issuance 475,000 shares of our common stock, and Cabot,  
as our sole stockholder, has approved the plan. We intend that the plan will    
become effective in connection with this offering and that the first offering   
period under the plan will commence in connection with this offering. We also   
intend that the plan will qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" under    
Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code; there may be offering periods under   
the plan, however, including the first offering period, that do not qualify     
under Section 423.                                                              

Administration; Eligible Employees.  The compensation committee will  
administer the plan. The compensation committee, as plan administrator, will    
have full authority to adopt administrative rules and procedures and to         
interpret the provisions of the plan. Each of our full-time employees, and each 
full-time employee of any future subsidiaries that we designate as eligible to  
participate in the plan, will be eligible to participate in the plan. In        
addition, the Internal Revenue Code requires us to exclude some employees from  
participating in the plan and sets limits on how much common stock a participant
may purchase under the plan, and we will comply with these exclusions and       
limitations.                                                                    

  Securities Subject to the Plan.  The plan limits the number of shares of
common stock initially reserved for issuance under the plan to 475,000 shares.  
The shares issuable under the plan will be made available from authorized but   
unissued shares of our common stock or from shares that we purchase on the open 
market after this offering. We will prorate the shares to be issued in any      
offering to the extent necessary to preserve the tax-free nature of the         
spin-off. We cannot issue any shares of our common stock under the plan,        
however, if doing so would reduce Cabot's percentage ownership in us to less    
than 80.5%.                                                                     

Adjustments; Change in Control.  In the event that any change to the  
outstanding common stock occurs (whether by reason of any recapitalization,     
stock dividend, stock split, exchange or combination of shares or other change  
in corporate structure), we will make appropriate adjustments to:               

- the maximum number and class of securities issuable under the plan;           

- the maximum number and class of securities purchasable per participant during 
any plan offering; and                                                      

- the number and class of securities and the price per share in effect under    
each outstanding purchase right.                                            

It is intended that any adjustments will prevent any dilution or      
enlargement of rights under the plan. In the event of various corporate events  
such as our dissolution or liquidation, or a merger, or a sale of all or        
substantially all of our assets, the plan offering which would otherwise be in  
effect on the date of the event will accelerate and will end on the last payday 
before the date of the event. On that date, all outstanding purchase rights will
automatically be exercised.                                                     

   Plan Offering Periods and Purchase Rights.  The plan will offer shares of
common stock from time to time through a series of plan offerings, each with a  
duration of approximately six months. (However, the first plan offering may be  
slightly longer or shorter than six months, depending on when this offering     
occurs.) The plan offerings will commence as designated from time to time by the
compensation committee. Each plan offering will in any event begin and end on a 
business day. On the day a plan offering begins, each participant with respect  
to that plan offering will receive a right to purchase shares of our common     
stock through payroll deductions made during that plan offering. In general,    
each participant may authorize periodic pay-                                    

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roll deductions in an amount of between one percent and ten percent of his or   
her gross cash compensation for each pay period during the plan offering. A     
participant may elect to reduce or increase future payroll deductions. The      
purchase date of shares under the plan will occur on the day that the plan      
offering ends, and whole and deemed fractional shares will be purchased using   
the aggregate payroll deductions withheld from the participant for the plan     
offering. We will not issue fractional shares under the plan. In general, a     
participant may withdraw from the plan at any time by giving written notice.    

Plan Offering Price.  The price per share of common stock in any plan 
offering will in general be 85% of the lower of:                                

- the fair market value per share of common stock on the day the plan offering  
begins; and                                                                 

- the fair market value per share of common stock on the day the plan offering  
ends.                                                                       

     The fair market value on the first day of the first offering period will be
the initial public offering price. Thereafter, the fair market value will be    
determined by reference to the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq  
on the relevant date.                                                           

  Amendment and Termination.  We may, in our sole discretion, terminate or
amend the plan, but the amendment and termination of the plan may not adversely 
affect outstanding purchase rights without the consent of the holders of those  
rights. If we terminate the plan, we may end a plan offering and accelerate the 
exercise date of all outstanding purchase rights. We will refund (without       
interest) any remaining payroll deductions after we terminate the plan.         

New Plan Benefits.  Because the benefits under the plan will depend on
elections to participate and the fair market value of our common stock on       
various future dates, we cannot determine the benefits that our executive       
officers and other employees may receive under the plan.                        

RETIREMENT BENEFITS                                                             

We have adopted a tax-qualified savings plan for the benefit of our   
employees, including our executive officers. Our employees will begin to        
participate in this plan as of the first day of the month immediately following 
the month in which the offering occurs. The savings plan will provide that we   
will make discretionary contributions to participants' accounts, as well as cash
matching contributions in amounts based on participants' deferral elections. In 
addition, we have adopted a non-qualified savings plan to provide supplemental  
benefits to those employees who are affected by limits on compensation contained
in the Internal Revenue Code.                                                   

     We do not currently sponsor a tax-qualified or supplemental defined benefit
pension plan, and we do not currently have any intention to adopt such a plan.  

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL           
ARRANGEMENTS                                                                    

In connection with this offering and the spin-off, we expect to adopt 
change-in-control arrangements covering our executive officers and other key    
employees. These arrangements will likely provide for a cash severance payment, 
continued medical benefits and other ancillary payments and benefits upon some  
terminations of a covered employee's employment following a change in control.  
Terminations of employment entitling a covered employee to these payments and   
benefits will likely include (1) termination of the employee by us (or a        
successor) other than for cause and (2) termination by the covered employee upon
reduction in compensation, duties or responsibilities, or relocation, or other  
circumstances constituting constructive termination.                            

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RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN OUR COMPANY AND CABOT CORPORATION 

CABOT AS OUR CONTROLLING STOCKHOLDER

 Immediately prior to this offering, Cabot will be our sole stockholder.
Upon completion of this offering, Cabot will beneficially own 82.6% of the      
outstanding shares of our common stock, or 80.5% if the underwriters' over-     
allotment option is exercised in full. For as long as Cabot continues to        
beneficially own more than 50% of the outstanding shares of common stock, Cabot 
will be able to direct the election of all of the members of our board of       
directors and exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs,   
including any determinations with respect to:                                   

- mergers or other business combinations involving our company;                 

- the acquisition or disposition of assets by our company;                      

- the incurrence of indebtedness by our company;                                

- the issuance of any additional common stock or other equity securities;       

- the payment of dividends with respect to the common stock;                    

- amendments, waivers and modifications to our fumed metal oxide supply         
 agreement and dispersions services agreement with Cabot and the other interim
and ongoing agreements we have entered into with Cabot; and                 

- some determinations with respect to treatment of items in our tax returns     
which are consolidated or combined with Cabot's tax returns.                

Similarly, Cabot will have the power to:                              

- determine matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders without the consent 
of our other stockholders;                                                  

- prevent a change in control of our company; and                               

- take other actions that might be favorable to Cabot.                          

  Cabot has announced that after the offering it intends to distribute pro
rata to its stockholders all of the shares of common stock it owns by means of a
tax-free distribution. Cabot's final determination to proceed will require a    
declaration of the spin-off by Cabot's board of directors. Such a declaration is
not expected to be made until certain conditions, many of which are beyond the  
control of Cabot, are satisfied, including:                                     

- receipt by Cabot of a ruling from the IRS as to the tax-free nature of the    
spin-off; and                                                               

- the absence of any change in future market or economic conditions (including  
 developments in the capital markets) of Cabot's or our company's business and
financial condition that causes Cabot's board of directors to conclude that 
the spin-off is not in the best interest of Cabot's stockholders.           

We have been advised by Cabot that it expects the spin-off to occur six to      
twelve months after the date of a private letter ruling from the IRS confirming 
that the spin-off is tax-free to Cabot. If Cabot completes the spin-off, the    
increased number of shares available in the market may have an adverse effect on
the market price of the common stock. See "Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to Our
Separation from Cabot".                                                         

     For a description of certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation
concerning the allocation of business opportunities that may be suitable for    
both us and Cabot, see "Description of Capital Stock -- Corporate               
Opportunities".                                                                 

For the purposes of governing some of the relationships between us and
Cabot following the spin-off and this offering, we and Cabot have entered into  
commercial arrangements, principally the fumed metal oxide supply agreement, the
dispersions services agreement and the facilities lease arrangements. In        
addition, we have entered into a master separation agreement providing for the  
transfer of the assets and liabilities of our business, as operated by Cabot, to
us. We have also entered into a trademark license agreement with Cabot which    
will provide for the license to us by Cabot of some of its trademarks and have  
entered into a confiden-                                                        

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tial disclosure and license agreement with Cabot that will provide for          
confidential treatment of specified information, licenses for specified         
intellectual property and the transfer of dispersion-related intellectual       
property. Furthermore, we have also entered into various agreements with Cabot  
regarding certain arrangements between the parties during the interim period    
between the closing of this offering and the completion of the spin-off. These  
agreements are the management services agreement, the initial public offering   
and distribution agreement, the employee matters agreement and the registration 
rights agreement. In addition, we and Cabot have entered into a tax sharing     
agreement to address the allocation of certain tax liabilities between the      
parties.                                                                        

All of the foregoing agreements will be effective on or prior to the  
completion of this offering. Because these agreements were entered into at a    
time when we were a wholly owned subsidiary of Cabot, they were not the result  
of arm's-length negotiations between the parties. These agreements were made in 
the context of an affiliated relationship and negotiated in the overall context 
of our separation from Cabot. The prices and other terms under these agreements 
may be less favorable to us than what we could have obtained in arm's-length    
negotiations with unaffiliated third parties for similar services or under      
similar leases. Because we did not negotiate with a third party for any of the  
services or raw materials provided for under our agreements with Cabot, however,
it is difficult to determine whether the terms of those agreements are less     
favorable to us than those that we could have obtained in arm's length          
negotiations with an unaffiliated third party. In addition, because the         
quantities and some of the products required to be supplied under the fumed     
metal oxide supply agreement, and, to a lesser extent, the dispersion services  
agreement, are unique, it is difficult to compare those terms with those that   
might have been obtained from an unaffiliated third party.                      

The agreements summarized below have been filed as exhibits to the    
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See "Where You Can
Find More Information".                                                         

COMMERCIAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH CABOT

FUMED METAL OXIDE SUPPLY AGREEMENT                                              

     We have entered into a fumed metal oxide supply agreement with Cabot, which
will be effective upon the completion of this offering, under which Cabot will  
continue to be our exclusive supplier of fumed silica and fumed alumina for     
existing products and our primary supplier for future products. For a more      
complete description of this agreement, see "Business -- Cabot as Our Raw       
Materials Supplier".                                                            

DISPERSIONS SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CABOT                                       

 We have entered into a dispersions services agreement with Cabot, which
will be effective upon the completion of this offering, under which we will     
continue to offer fumed metal oxide dispersions services to Cabot. For a more   
complete description of this agreement, see "Business -- Dispersions Services   
Agreement with Cabot".                                                          

FACILITIES LEASE ARRANGEMENTS                                                   

    We have entered into an agreement with Cabot to lease or sublease the land
and, building at its dispersions facility in Barry, Wales. This building space  
comprises approximately 62,300 square feet. The lease payments total            
approximately $60,000 per year. This lease will expire after ten years, subject 
to earlier termination in some circumstances.                                   

MASTER SEPARATION AGREEMENT 

To effect our separation from Cabot, Cabot and we have entered into a 
master separation agreement. Under this agreement, Cabot and its subsidiaries   
have transferred to us substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Cabot 
that are used exclusively in, relate exclusively to or arise directly from the  
business conducted by us as a division of Cabot at any time on or before the    
date of the transfer of these assets and liabilities to us,                     

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which we refer to as the contribution date, including:                          

- all business operations whose financial performance is reflected in our       
financial statements for the period ended September 30, 1999 as set forth   
elsewhere in this prospectus; and                                           

- all business operations initiated or acquired by us after the date of those   
financial statements.                                                       

Cabot will not transfer to us some excluded assets, including the fumed alumina 
plant at Cabot's Tuscola, Illinois facility and the land, building and other    
improvements and fixtures in Barry, Wales that we sublease from Cabot.          

  We have assumed and agreed to perform all liabilities and obligations of
Cabot relating to or arising out of these business operations any time on or    
before the date of the transfer of these business operations to us, which we    
refer to as the contribution date, other than various excluded liabilities.     
These assumed liabilities include all liabilities relating to or arising out of 
these business operations as conducted through the contribution date that are   
unknown to Cabot and/or unrealized as of the contribution date and that become  
known to Cabot or are realized or otherwise arise after the contribution date.  

 Except as expressly set forth in the master separation agreement or any
other agreement entered into between Cabot and us in connection with our        
separation from Cabot, neither Cabot nor our company is making any              
representation or warranty as to the business, assets or liabilities transferred
or assumed as part of the separation. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in
the separation agreement or in an ancillary agreement, all assets are being     
transferred on an as is, where is, basis.                                       

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY                                                           

Under the master separation agreement, Cabot has transferred to us its
intellectual property rights related solely to the business conducted by us as a
division of Cabot. This transferred intellectual property includes:             

- patents;                                                                      

- copyrights;                                                                   

- trademarks;                                                                   

- technology, know-how and trade secrets;                                       

- licenses and other rights concerning third party technology and intellectual  
property; and                                                               

- the right to sue for infringements of these patents, copyrights, trademarks   
and other intellectual property.                                            

Cabot has agreed to assign to us various contracts with third parties relating  
to our business.                                                                

FEES                                                                            

     We have agreed to pay the costs of the transfer of assets from Cabot to us,
including:                                                                      

- moving expenses;                                                              

- transfer taxes;                                                               

- expenses related to notices to customers, suppliers and other third parties;  

- fees related to the transfer or issuance of licenses, permits and franchises; 

- fees related to the assignment or transfer of contracts, agreements and       
intellectual property;                                                      

- recording and other fees, taxes, charges and assessments related to the       
transfer of real property;                                                  

- costs related to the transfer or establishment of any domestic and foreign    
branch office; and                                                          

- costs related to the transfer of any employee.                                

INDEMNIFICATION                                                                 

   Pursuant to the master separation agreement, we have agreed to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless Cabot and each of its subsidiaries and their respective
successors-in-interest against any losses, claims, dam-                         

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ages, liabilities or actions arising out of or in connection with:              

- the liabilities assumed by us as part of the separation, including any        
liabilities arising out of the current litigation with Rodel; and/or        

- our conduct of our business and affairs after the contribution date.          

    Cabot has agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless us and each of our
subsidiaries and their respective successors-in-interest against any losses,    
claims, damages, liabilities or actions, resulting from, relating to or arising 
out of or in connection with:                                                   

- the excluded assets, meaning assets used or owned in connection with any      
  businesses and operations of Cabot and its affiliates other than our business;
and/or                                                                      

- the excluded liabilities, including liabilities that are not incidental to or 
do not arise out of our business and various liabilities in respect of      
indebtedness, income taxes, employee or retirement benefit plans and other  
liabilities.                                                                

Under the terms of the master separation agreement, we and Cabot, as  
indemnifying parties, have various rights. The indemnitee may defend and, with  
the consent of the indemnifying party, compromise and settle a claim and will be
entitled to reimbursement for its reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses       
incurred in defending the claim and indemnification for any liabilities incurred
as a result of the claim.                                                       

   An indemnifying party may elect to defend, at its own expense and through
counsel chosen by it, any claim by a third party if the claim will, or is likely
to, obligate the indemnifying party to provide indemnification. If an           
indemnifying party elects to defend a third-party claim, it will be required to 
pay:                                                                            

- the indemnitee's reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with
its cooperation in the defense of the claim; and                            

- under some circumstances, the reasonable fees and expenses of separate counsel
for the indemnitee, including primary counsel, local counsel and, in patent 
litigation, special patent counsel.                                         

   If an indemnifying party elects to defend a third-party claim but, in the
reasonable judgment of an indemnitee, the indemnifying party fails to timely,   
properly and adequately defend the third-party claim, the indemnitee may do so. 
There are restrictions on the ability of the indemnifying party to settle or    
compromise a claim if the settlement or compromise would be harmful to the      
indemnitee. The master separation agreement specifically provides that until we 
notify Cabot that we will assume the defense of the lawsuits instituted by Rodel
against Cabot, Cabot will continue to defend these lawsuits and we will         
indemnify Cabot for any losses and expenses, including attorneys' fees, that it 
incurs as a result of these actions. For a further discussion of the Rodel      
lawsuits, see "Business -- Legal Proceedings".                                  

    If an indemnitee recovers amounts from third parties, such as an insurance
company, these amounts will reduce the amount the indemnifying party must pay   
unless the indemnitee or its affiliates remain directly or indirectly liable for
those amounts pursuant to self-insurance or re-insurance arrangements. If the   
indemnitee incurs a net tax cost from the receipt of an indemnification payment,
the indemnifying party must compensate the indemnitee for the amount of the net 
tax cost. If the indemnitee receives a net tax benefit from incurring or paying 
for any indemnified loss or liability, the amount the indemnifying party must   
pay will be reduced to take account of the net tax benefit.                     

DISPUTE RESOLUTION                                                              

The master separation agreement contains provisions that govern the   
resolution of disputes, controversies or claims that may arise between us and   
Cabot except to the extent otherwise provided for in any other agreement entered
into between Cabot and us in connection with our separation from Cabot. The     
master separation agreement provides that the parties will use all commercially 
reasonable efforts to settle all disputes arising in connection with the        
agreement without                                                               

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resorting to mediation, arbitration or otherwise. If these efforts are not      
successful, either party may submit the dispute for non-binding mediation. If   
mediation is not successful in resolving any dispute, any party may resort to   
any remedies it may have at common law or otherwise, including litigation.      
Neither party will be entitled to consequential, special, exemplary or punitive 
damages.                                                                        

FURTHER ASSURANCES                                                              

In addition to the actions specifically provided for elsewhere in the 
master separation agreement, each of our company and Cabot has agreed to use all
commercially reasonable efforts to cause all actions, agreements and obligations
set forth in the master separation agreement to be performed.                   

TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT 

    We have entered into a trademark license agreement with Cabot that governs
our use of various trademarks used in our business. Under the agreement, Cabot  
has granted to us a worldwide royalty-free license to use the trademarks solely 
in connection with the manufacture, sale or distribution of products related to 
our business. The license includes the right to use the term "Cabot" as a trade 
name, either individually or in combination with other terms. This license also 
includes the right to grant sublicenses to our wholly-owned subsidiaries, for so
long as they remain wholly-owned subsidiaries. We may not transfer or assign the
license without Cabot's prior written consent.                                  

  Under the agreement, we agree to refrain from various actions that could
interfere with Cabot's ownership of the trademarks. The agreement contains      
provisions regarding:                                                           

- the creation of quality standards for our products;                           

- the ability of Cabot to inspect our products and facilities; and              

- our obligation to cease production of and correct or properly destroy, any    
 products marketed under the licensed trademarks that fail to meet the quality
standards.                                                                  

The agreement provides that our license to use the trademarks may be  
terminated for various reasons, including our discontinued use of the           
trademarks, our breach of the agreement or a change in control of us.           

We will indemnify Cabot and its directors, officers and employees from
claims for damage or injury to persons or property or for loss of life or limb  
if Cabot is found liable to any third party under any tort or products liability
or similar action in connection with the use by us of the licensed trademarks.  

MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT 

    We and Cabot have entered into a management services agreement, which will
be effective upon the completion of this offering, pursuant to which Cabot will 
provide administrative and corporate support services to us on an interim or    
transitional basis, including human resource, accounting, treasury, tax,        
facilities, legal and information services. Cabot will charge us for these      
services at cost, including all out-of-pocket, third-party costs and expenses   
incurred by Cabot in providing the services. If Cabot incurs third-party        
expenses on behalf of us as well as a Cabot entity, Cabot will be required to   
allocate these expenses in good faith between us and the Cabot entity, as Cabot 
shall determine in the exercise of its reasonable judgment. The agreement       
provides for monthly invoicing of service charges. If we do not pay the invoiced
amount within 60 days following receipt of the invoice, we will be required to  
pay interest at a specified rate, unless the invoiced amount is in dispute.     
Cabot and we will be required to use reasonable efforts to resolve any disputes 
promptly.                                                                       

  The management services agreement provides that the services provided by
Cabot will be substantially similar in scope, quality and nature to those       
services provided to us prior to the contribution date. Cabot will also be      
required to provide the services to us through the same or similarly qualified  
personnel, but the selection of personnel to perform the various services will  
be within the sole control of Cabot. In addition, Cabot will not be required to 
materially increase the volume, scope or quality of the services                

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provided beyond the level at which they were performed for us in the past. The  
agreement provides that Cabot may cause any third party to provide any service  
to us that Cabot is required to provide, but that Cabot will remain responsible 
for any services it causes to be provided in this manner. Cabot will not be     
required to provide any service to the extent the performance of the service    
becomes impracticable due to a cause outside the control of Cabot, such as      
natural disasters, governmental actions or similar events of force majeure.     
Similarly, Cabot will not be required to provide any service if doing so would  
require Cabot to violate any laws, rules or regulations. The agreement also     
provides that Cabot and we may agree to additional services to be provided by   
Cabot. The terms and costs of these additional services will be mutually agreed 
upon by Cabot and us. These additional services may include services that were  
not provided to us when we were a division of Cabot prior to the contribution   
date.                                                                           

   Pursuant to the management services agreement, we will agree to indemnify
and hold harmless Cabot, each of its subsidiaries and their directors, officers,
agents and employees from any claims, damages and expenses arising out of the   
services rendered to us unless resulting from their breach of contract, gross   
negligence or willful misconduct on their part. In addition, we will agree that 
these same persons shall be liable to us only for any claims, damages or        
expenses resulting from breach of contract, gross negligence or willful         
misconduct on their part.                                                       

The management services agreement will commence on the date of this   
offering and will continue until the earlier of the date of the spin-off or two 
years from the completion of this offering. Cabot and we may, by mutual         
agreement, provide for the continuation of some services after the spin-off. In 
addition, either Cabot or our company may terminate the management services     
agreement with respect to one or more of the services provided under the        
agreement:                                                                      

- If the other party has failed to perform any material obligation relating to  
the terminated service; and                                                 

- if the failure continues for a period of 30 days after the other party        
receives notice of the failure from the terminating party.                  

CONFIDENTIAL DISCLOSURE AND 
LICENSE AGREEMENT 

We and Cabot have entered into a confidential disclosure and license  
agreement with respect to confidential and proprietary information, intellectual
property and other matters whereby we and Cabot agree to keep confidential and  
to cause our affiliates to keep confidential, and not to use for any            
unauthorized purpose, confidential information regarding the other party.       
Confidential information includes:                                              

- unpublished technology and know-how;                                          

- unpublished patent applications; and                                          

- trade secrets and other confidential or proprietary technical and business    
information.                                                                

Confidential information does not include any information that:       

- is already known to the other party from a third-party source;                

- is or becomes publicly known;                                                 

- is received from a third party without any obligations of confidentiality;    

- is disclosed to a third party without restrictions;                           

- is independently developed by employees or consultants of the party receiving 
the information; or                                                         

- is approved for release by the disclosing party.                              

     Cabot has granted to us and our affiliates an ancillary license, which is a
fully paid, world-wide, non-exclusive license to Cabot's copyrights, patents and
technology that:                                                                

- are not included within the assets transferred under the master separation    
agreement;                                                                  

- are owned by Cabot on the date of the transfer of assets to us;               

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- do not relate to (A) treated or untreated fumed metal oxide particles or the  
manufacture or treatment of these particles or (B) cesium chemicals or other
  products of Cabot's performance materials division or the manufacture of these
chemicals;                                                                  

- would be infringed or misappropriated by the manufacture, treatment,          
  processing, handling, marketing, sale or use of any of our products, excluding
  treated or untreated fumed metal oxide particles and cesium chemicals or other
products of Cabot's performance materials division; and                     

- were used by Cabot in connection with our activities, prior to our separation 
from Cabot.                                                                 

     Cabot has agreed, on behalf of itself and its affiliates, not to assert any
of the patents and copyrights in published copyrightable material licensed to us
under the ancillary license against our customers with respect to our customers'
use of products manufactured or supplied by us under the ancillary license. The 
ancillary license does not include the right to grant sublicenses to others. We 
have agreed not to use the ancillary license in connection with any activity    
that is competitive with any activity of Cabot.                                 

We have granted to Cabot and its affiliates a fully paid, world-wide, 
non-exclusive license to copyrights, patents and technologies that are among the
assets transferred to us under the master separation agreement and that would be
infringed by the manufacture, treatment, processing, handling, marketing, sale  
or use of any products or services sold by Cabot for applications other than    
CMP. We have agreed, on our own behalf and on behalf of our affiliates, not to  
assert any of the patents and copyrights in published copyrightable material    
licensed to Cabot under the license to Cabot against Cabot's customers with     
respect to their use of non-CMP products manufactured or supplied by Cabot under
the license to Cabot. The license to Cabot does not include the right to grant  
sublicenses to others. Cabot has agreed not to use the license in connection    
with any activity that is competitive with any of our activities.               

     We have also agreed, on our own behalf and on behalf of our affiliates, not
to use specific information in our possession as of the date of the transfer of 
assets to us for the manufacture of treated or untreated fumed metal oxide      
particles and/or cesium chemicals and other products of Cabot's performance     
materials division. This specific information is information concerning:        

- Cabot's fumed metal oxide products (treated and untreated) and related        
manufacturing or treatment processes;                                       

- cesium chemicals and other products of Cabot's performance materials division 
and related manufacturing processes; and                                    

- the raw materials, suppliers or equipment used in these products, processes   
and chemicals, including product specifications.                            

  Additionally, Cabot has assigned to us an undivided one-half interest in
and to various patents, copyrights and technology that relate to dispersion     
technology, which are owned by Cabot and used in Cabot's dispersion business and
our business as of the date of the confidential disclosure and license          
agreement. We will generally pay all costs associated with the transfer to us of
this intellectual property. Cabot and we will generally share the costs         
associated with the prosecution and maintenance of these patents. Cabot and/or  
we, individually or jointly, may bring enforcement proceedings against an       
infringer of this dispersion intellectual property. Cabot and we have agreed to 
notify the other party of any threat or allegation made by a third party that   
any dispersion intellectual property infringes any third-party intellectual     
property rights.                                                                

    Cabot and we have agreed to restrictions on sublicenses and assignments of
the dispersion technology assets. Cabot has agreed not to sublicense or assign  
the dispersion technology assets, including related intellectual property       
rights, to any party for use in the production or sale of products for use in   
CMP applications, without our prior consent. We have agreed not to sublicense or
assign the dispersion technology assets, including related intellectual property
rights, to any party for use in the production or sale of                       

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products for use in non-CMP applications, without the prior consent of Cabot.   

INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING AND 
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

GENERAL                                                                         

    We have entered into an initial public offering and distribution agreement
with Cabot governing our respective rights and duties with respect to this      
offering and the spin-off. Cabot has announced that it plans to complete the    
spin-off within six to twelve months after the date of a private letter ruling  
from the IRS confirming that the spin-off is tax-free to Cabot. However, Cabot  
is not obligated to complete the spin-off in this time frame or at all. We have 
agreed to cooperate with Cabot in all respects to complete the spin-off. See    
"Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to Our Separation from Cabot".                  

COVENANTS                                                                       

  After this offering, Cabot will continue to own a significant portion of
our common stock. As a result, Cabot will continue to include us as a subsidiary
for various financial reporting, accounting and other purposes. Accordingly, we 
have agreed to certain covenants in the initial public offering and distribution
agreement, which will be binding on us as long as Cabot owns at least 50% of our
outstanding common stock. Some of these covenants are described below:          

- Covenants Regarding the Incurrence of Debt. We will not, and will not permit  
 any of our subsidiaries to create, incur or assume any indebtedness in excess
of an aggregate of $50.0 million outstanding at any time.                   

- Other Covenants.  We have also agreed that:                                   

- we will not take any action which would have the effect of limiting 
      Cabot's ability to freely sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of shares of
     our common stock or limiting the legal rights of or denying any benefit
to Cabot as our stockholder in a manner not applicable to our     
stockholders generally;                                           

    - we will not amend our stockholder rights plan, or any successor plan, in
 a manner that would result in Cabot's ownership of our common stock
   causing the rights to detach or become exercisable as described under
"Description of Capital Stock -- Rights Plan";                    

   - we will not issue any shares of common stock or any rights, warrants or
 options to acquire our common stock, if after giving effect to such
     issuance Cabot would own less than 80.5% of the then outstanding shares
of our common stock; and                                          

     - if Cabot determines that, due to any action on our part, its shareholding
      in us has dropped or will drop below 80.5%, it can require us to reverse
       or terminate the action or issue additional equity securities to it at no
     cost, or purchase additional equity securities of us in the open market
   or from other third parties, in which case we would have to reimburse
  Cabot for the costs it incurred in making such a purchase. After the
  second anniversary of the closing of this offering, these provisions
  would terminate with respect to issuances of equity securities by us
       under our 2000 Equity Incentive Plan and our 2000 Employee Stock Purchase
 Plan, except that in the event of any such issuance we may still be
       obligated to issue additional equity securities to Cabot at the per share
fair market value of those securities.                            

In addition, we have agreed that, for so long as Cabot is required to 
consolidate our results of operations and financial position or account for its 
investment in our company, we will provide Cabot financial information regarding
our company and our subsidiaries, consult with Cabot regarding the timing and   
content of our earnings releases and cooperate fully with Cabot in connection   
with its public filings.                                                        

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INDEMNIFICATION                                                                 

We have generally agreed to indemnify Cabot and its affiliates against all      
liabilities arising out of:                                                     

- any breach by us or our affiliates of any of the provisions of the initial    
public offering and distribution agreement;                                 

- any incorrect or incomplete financial information provided by us or our       
affiliates to Cabot as required by the initial public offering and          
distribution agreement; and                                                 

- any material untrue statements or omissions in this prospectus and the        
registration statement of which it is a part and in any and all registration
statements, information statements and/or other documents filed with the SEC
in connection with the spin-off.                                            

     Cabot has agreed to indemnify us and our affiliates against all liabilities
arising out of:                                                                 

- any breach by Cabot or its affiliates of any of the provisions of the initial 
public offering and distribution agreement;                                 

- any incorrect or incomplete financial information provided by Cabot or its    
affiliates to us as required by the initial public offering and distribution
agreement; and                                                              

- any material untrue statements or omissions regarding Cabot in this prospectus
and the registration statement of which it is a part and in any and all     
registration statements, information statements and/or other documents filed
with the SEC in connection with the spin-off.                               

    Under the terms of the initial public offering and distribution agreement,
Cabot and we, as indemnifying parties, have various rights. The indemnitee may  
defend and, with the consent of the indemnifying party, compromise and settle a 
claim and will be entitled to reimbursement for its reasonable attorneys' fees  
and expenses incurred in defending the claim and indemnification for any        
liabilities incurred as a result of the claim.                                  

   An indemnifying party may elect to defend, at its own expense and through
counsel chosen by it, any claim by a third party if the claim will obligate the 
indemnifying party to provide indemnification. If an indemnifying party elects  
to defend a third-party claim, it will be required to pay:                      

- the indemnitee's reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with
its cooperation in the defense of the claim; and                            

- under some circumstances, the reasonable fees and expenses of separate counsel
for the indemnitee, including primary counsel and local counsel.            

   There are restrictions on the ability of the indemnifying party to settle
or compromise a claim if the settlement or compromise would be harmful to the   
indemnitee.                                                                     

If Cabot and we both claim to be entitled to indemnification for a    
third-party claim, Cabot and we will jointly control the defense of the claim.  
If one party fails to defend jointly, the other party will solely defend the    
claim, but in no case will one party compromise or settle a third-party claim   
without the consent of the other party. All expenses of either party during the 
joint defense of a claim will be initially paid by the party incurring the      
expenses, with the expenses reallocated and reimbursed in accordance with the   
indemnification obligations of the parties at the end of the defense of the     
claim.                                                                          

    If an indemnitee recovers amounts from third parties, such as an insurance
company, these amounts will reduce the amount the indemnifying party must pay   
unless the indemnitee or its affiliates remain directly or indirectly liable for
those amounts pursuant to self-insurance or re-insurance arrangements. If the   
indemnitee incurs a net tax cost from the receipt of an indemnification payment,
the indemnifying party must compensate the indemnitee for the amount of the net 
tax cost. If the indemnitee receives a net tax benefit from incurring or paying 
for any indemnified loss or liability, the amount the indemnifying party must   
pay will be reduced to take account of the net tax benefit.                     

EXPENSES                                                                        

We will pay the costs and expenses incurred in connection with our    
separation                                                                      

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from Cabot and this offering including the costs and expenses of financial,     
legal, accounting and other advisers, if any. Cabot will pay the costs and      
expenses incurred in connection with the spin-off, including the costs and      
expenses of financial, legal, accounting and other advisors, if any.            

TAX SHARING AGREEMENT 

    We are, and after this offering but prior to the spin-off will continue to
be, included in Cabot's consolidated federal income tax group, and our federal  
income tax liability will be included in the consolidated federal income tax    
liability of Cabot. We and Cabot have entered into a tax sharing agreement,     
which will be effective upon the completion of this offering, pursuant to which 
the amount of taxes to be paid or received by us with respect to consolidated or
combined returns of Cabot in which we are included generally are determined as  
though we file separate federal, state, local and foreign income tax returns.   
Under the terms of the tax sharing agreement, Cabot will not be required to make
any payment to us for the use of our tax attributes that come into existence    
prior to the spin-off until such time as we would otherwise be able to utilize  
such attributes.                                                                

Under the agreement, until the spin-off, Cabot will:                  

- continue to have all the rights of a parent of a consolidated group;          

- have sole and exclusive responsibility for the preparation and filing of      
consolidated federal and consolidated or combined state, local and foreign  
income tax returns (or amended returns); and                                

- have the power, in its sole discretion, to contest or compromise any asserted 
  tax adjustment or deficiency and to file, litigate or compromise any claim for
refund relating to these returns.                                           

In general, the agreement provides that we will be included in Cabot's
consolidated group for federal income tax purposes for so long as Cabot         
beneficially owns at least 80% of the total voting power and value of the       
outstanding common stock, which we expect will be the case until the time of the
spin-off. Each member of a consolidated group is jointly and severally liable   
for the federal income tax liability of each other member of the consolidated   
group. Accordingly, although the tax sharing agreement allocates tax liabilities
between us and Cabot during the period in which we are included in Cabot's      
consolidated group, we could be liable in the event that any federal tax        
liability is incurred, but not discharged, by any other member of Cabot's       
consolidated group. See "Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to Our Separation from  
Cabot -- We face risks associated with being a member of Cabot's consolidated   
group for federal income tax purposes".                                         

   Under the terms of the tax sharing agreement, we have agreed to indemnify
Cabot in the event that the spin-off is not tax free to Cabot as a result of    
various actions taken by or with respect to us or our failure to take various   
actions, including:                                                             

- any acquisition of us by merger or otherwise, or an acquisition of a majority 
of our shares, by any person or persons, within two years of the spin-off;  

- any redemption or repurchase by us of our capital stock, subject to certain   
exceptions;                                                                 

- any issuance by us of our capital stock which is inconsistent with factual    
statements or representations made to the IRS in connection with Cabot's    
request for a private letter ruling regarding the tax-free nature of the    
spin-off; and                                                               

- any discontinuance of the active conduct of our current trades or businesses, 
or the sale or other disposition of any of our assets other than in the     
ordinary course of our business.                                            

We may not be able to control some of the foregoing events that could 
trigger this indemnification obligation.                                        

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT 

    Although Cabot has announced its plans to complete the spin-off within six
to twelve months after the date of a private letter ruling from the IRS         
confirming that the spin-off is tax-free to Cabot, we cannot assure you that    

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the spin-off will occur within this time frame or at all. See "Risk             
Factors -- Risk Factors Relating to Our Separation from Cabot". In the event    
that Cabot does not complete the spin-off, Cabot could not freely sell all of   
our shares that it owns without registration under the Securities Act.          

Accordingly, we have entered into a registration rights agreement with
Cabot to provide it with registration rights relating to the shares of our      
common stock which it holds. These registration rights generally become         
effective at such time as Cabot informs us that it no longer intends to proceed 
with or complete the spin-off. Cabot will be able to require us to register     
under the Securities Act all or any portion of our shares covered by the        
registration rights agreement. In addition, the registration rights agreement   
will provide for various piggyback registration rights for Cabot. Whenever we   
propose to register any of our securities under the Securities Act for ourselves
or others, subject to certain customary exceptions, we will be required to      
provide prompt notice to Cabot and include in that registration all shares of   
our stock which Cabot requests to be included.                                  

The registration rights agreement sets forth customary registration   
procedures, including a covenant by us to make available our employees and      
personnel for road show presentations. All registration expenses incurred in    
connection with the registration rights agreement will be paid by us. In        
addition, we will be required to reimburse Cabot for the fees and disbursements 
of its outside counsel retained in connection with any such registration. The   
registration rights agreement also imposes customary indemnification and        
contribution obligations on us for the benefit of Cabot and any underwriters    
with respect to liabilities resulting from untrue statements or omissions in any
registration statement used in any such registration, although Cabot must       
indemnify us for those liabilities resulting from information provided by Cabot.

     The registration rights under the registration rights agreement will remain
in effect with respect to the shares covered by the agreement until:            

- those shares have been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement   
under the Securities Act;                                                   

- those shares have been sold to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the      
Securities Act;                                                             

- those shares have been transferred and new certificates delivered, where the  
new certificates do not bear a legend restricting further transfer and where
subsequent public distribution of those shares does not require registration
under the Securities Act; or                                                

- those shares cease to be outstanding.                                         

EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

    We and Cabot have entered into an employee matters agreement which will be
effective upon the completion of this offering. This agreement sets forth our   
mutual understanding with respect to the responsibilities, obligations and      
liabilities relating to the compensation and benefits of our employees in       
connection with the offering and spin-off. Under this agreement, with certain   
exceptions, we will be solely responsible for the compensation and benefits of  
our employees on and following the offering. The principal exception to this    
rule is retirement benefits for our employees; Cabot's tax-qualified retirement 
plans will retain all assets and liabilities relating to our employees on and   
after this offering (subject to any distributions from the plans that are       
required or permitted by the plans and applicable law). The employee matters    
agreement also provides that equity awards granted to our employees under       
Cabot's equity incentive plans when they were employees of Cabot may be         
converted into equity awards of our company upon agreement between Cabot and us.

OPTION GRANTS TO CABOT EMPLOYEES

  We intend to grant options under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan to Cabot
employees. See "Management -- Grants Under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan".     

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CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES AND 
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST 

All of our directors have fiduciary duties to our company and our     
stockholders under applicable Delaware law. Specifically, our directors are     
charged with a duty of care and a duty of loyalty to our company and our        
stockholders. This duty of care generally requires our directors to inform      
themselves of all material information relevant to business decisions they make 
on behalf of our company. This duty of loyalty generally requires our directors 
to act in the best interests of our company and our stockholders and to refrain 
from conduct that would injure our company or our stockholders or deprive our   
company of an advantage or opportunity to which we are entitled.                

 Three members of our board of directors are also directors or executive
officers of Cabot. Our directors who are also directors or executive officers of
Cabot will also have fiduciary or similar duties to Cabot. As a result of their 
duties and obligations to both companies, these directors may have conflicts of 
interest with respect to matters involving or affecting us, such as acquisitions
and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for both us and Cabot. In
addition, after this offering and the spin-off, a number of our directors and   
executive officers will continue to own Cabot stock and options on Cabot stock  
they acquired as employees of Cabot. This ownership could create, or appear to  
create, potential conflicts of interest when these directors and officers are   
faced with decisions that could have different implications for our company and 
Cabot. While there are provisions in our certificate of incorporation designed  
to resolve these conflicts in a manner that is fair to both us and Cabot, these 
conflicts may not ultimately be resolved in a fair manner to both parties. For a
further discussion of these provisions, see "Description of Capital             
Stock -- Corporate Opportunities".                                              

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL 
STOCKHOLDER AND MANAGEMENT

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDER 

The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial 
ownership of common stock by Cabot as of February 29, 2000 and as adjusted to   
reflect the sale of the shares of common stock offered by us in this offering.  
Cabot is the only person or entity that owns beneficially more than 5% of the   
outstanding shares of common stock.                                             

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                                                PERCENTAGE OF   
                                                                                 OUTSTANDING    
                                                                                   SHARES       
                                                                             BENEFICIALLY OWNED 
                                                             SHARES OF       -------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS                                            COMMON STOCK      BEFORE     AFTER  
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                                      BENEFICIALLY OWNED  OFFERING   OFFERING
-------------------                                      ------------------  --------   --------
                                                                                                
Cabot Corporation.......................................     18,989,744        100%       82.6% 
  75 State Street                                                                               
  Boston, Massachusetts 02109                                                                   

MANAGEMENT

   The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership
of the outstanding common stock of Cabot as of February 29, 2000 by (a) each of 
our directors and each of the executive officers named in the Summary           
Compensation Table and (b) all of our directors and executive officers as a     
group. The number of shares of common stock shown below includes shares issuable
upon the exercise of stock options and, for each person who is a participant in 
Cabot's employee stock plan, shares issuable upon conversion of shares of       
Cabot's convertible preferred stock allocated to such participant's account     
under Cabot's employee stock plan.                                              

As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means the sole or shared
power to vote or direct the voting or to dispose or direct the disposition of   
any security. A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that  
can be acquired within 60 days from the date of this prospectus through the     
exercise of any option, warrant or right. Shares of common stock subject to     
options, warrants or rights that are currently exercisable or exercisable within
60 days are deemed outstanding for computing the ownership percentage of the    
person holding such options, warrants or rights, but are not deemed outstanding 
for computing the ownership percentage of any other person. The amounts and     
percentages are based upon 66,909,163 shares of Cabot common stock outstanding  
as of February 29, 2000.                                                        

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                    PERCENTAGE                             
                                                    OWNERSHIP                    PERCENTAGE
                                     SHARES OF        OF OUR    SHARES OF CABOT   OWNERSHIP
NAME                              OUR COMMON STOCK   COMPANY     COMMON STOCK     OF CABOT 
----                              ----------------  ----------  ---------------  ----------
                                                                                           
Kennett F. Burnes(1).............        --            --            548,717           *   
Samuel W. Bodman(2)..............        --            --          1,481,464         2.2%  
William P. Noglows(3)............        --            --            126,900           *   
Matthew Neville(4)...............        --            --             77,830           *   
William C. McCarthy..............        --            --              6,129           *   
Daniel J. Pike...................        --            --             17,583           *   
Chris C. Yu......................        --            --             19,948           *   
Bruce M. Zwicker.................        --            --             25,288           *   
All directors and executive                                                                
  officers as a group (8                                                                   
  persons)(5)....................        --            --          2,287,753         3.4   

---------------                                                                 
*  Denotes less than 1% beneficial ownership.                                 

(1) Includes 148,986 shares of Cabot common stock that Mr. Burnes has the right 
to acquire pursuant to stock options.                                   

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(2) Includes 41,725 shares of Cabot common stock that Mr. Bodman has the right  
to acquire pursuant to stock options.                                   

(3) Includes 22,186 shares of Cabot common stock that Mr. Noglows has the right 
to acquire pursuant to stock options.                                   

(4) Includes 5,000 shares of Cabot common stock that Mr. Neville has the right  
to acquire pursuant to stock options.                                   

(5) Excludes shares of Cabot common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Yu, our     
former Director of Research and Technology.                             

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

    We intend to amend our certificate of incorporation upon the completion of
this offering. The form of our amended certificate of incorporation has been    
filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a 
part. The following summarizes the terms and provisions of our capital stock    
upon the closing of this offering. The summary is not complete, and you should  
read the form of our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws.               

 Upon the completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will
consist of 200 million shares, $0.001 par value per share, of common stock and  
20 million shares, $0.001 par value per share, of preferred stock.              

COMMON STOCK

   Each share of our common stock will be identical in all respects. Each of
these shares will entitle its holder to the same rights and privileges enjoyed  
by all other holders of common stock and will subject them to the same          
qualifications, limitations and restrictions to which all other holders of      
common stock will be subject. Holders of our common stock will be entitled to   
one vote per share on all matters to be voted on by our stockholders. Holders of
common stock will not have cumulative rights, so that holders of a majority of  
the shares of common stock present at a meeting at which a quorum is present    
will be able to elect all of our directors eligible for election in a given     
year. The holders of a majority of the voting power of the issued and           
outstanding common stock will constitute a quorum. Holders of our common stock  
will be entitled to receive ratably the dividends, if any, that are declared by 
our board of directors. Our board of directors may declare dividends out of     
funds legally available for the declaration of dividends, subject to the        
preferential rights of any holder of preferred stock that may from time to time 
be outstanding. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of 
our common stock will be entitled to share pro rata in the distribution of all  
of our assets available for distribution after satisfaction of all of our       
liabilities and the payment of the liquidation preference of any preferred stock
that may be outstanding. The holders of our common stock will have no preemptive
or other subscription rights to purchase common stock, and there will be no     
redemptive rights or sinking fund provisions.                                   

PREFERRED STOCK 

Our board of directors will be authorized to cause shares of preferred
stock to be issued in one or more series, to:                                   

- determine the number of shares of each series;                                

- fix the rights, powers, preferences and privileges of each series;            

- fix any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon; and              

- increase or decrease the number of shares of each such series.                

     Among the specific matters that may be determined by the board of directors
are:                                                                            

- the annual rate of dividends;                                                 

- the redemption price, if any;                                                 

- the terms of a sinking or purchase fund, if any;                              

- the amount payable in the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or  
winding up of the affairs of our company;                                   

- conversion rights, if any; and                                                

- voting powers, if any.                                                        

     Depending upon the terms of the preferred stock established by our board of
directors, any or all series of preferred stock could have preferences over the 
common stock with respect to dividends and other distributions and upon         
liquidation or could have voting or conversion rights that could adversely      
affect the holders of the outstanding common stock.                             

    In addition, the preferred stock could delay, defer or prevent a change of
control of our company. We have no present plans to issue shares of preferred   
stock. Prior to the completion of this offering, however, our                   

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board of directors will adopt a rights plan. See "-- Rights Plan".              

LIMITATION ON DIRECTORS' LIABILITIES

    Our certificate of incorporation will limit the liability of our directors
to us and our stockholders to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.     
Specifically, our directors will not be personally liable for money damages for 
breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:                   

- for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;   

- for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional          
misconduct or a knowing violation of law;                                   

- under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which concerns     
unlawful payments of dividends, stock purchases or redemptions; and         

- for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal      
benefit.                                                                    

ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS AND
PROVISIONS OF DELAWARE LAW

     Our certificate of incorporation our bylaws and Section 203 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law will contain provisions summarized below that may delay,
discourage or prevent the acquisition or control of our company by means of a   
tender offer, open market purchase, proxy fight or otherwise, including         
acquisitions that might result in a premium being paid over the market price of 
the common stock.                                                               

STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT UNTIL THE SPIN-OFF; SPECIAL MEETINGS      

 Our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws will permit stockholder
action by written consent until the time that Cabot and its affiliates cease to 
beneficially own an aggregate of at least a majority of our then outstanding    
shares of common stock. Thereafter, any action required or permitted to be taken
by our stockholders may be effected only at a duly called annual or special     
meeting of stockholders and may not be effected by a written consent in lieu of 
a meeting of stockholders. Prior to Cabot and its affiliates ceasing to         
beneficially own an aggregate of at least a majority of our then outstanding    
shares of common stock, we will call a special meeting of stockholders promptly 
upon the request of Cabot. After Cabot and its affiliates cease to beneficially 
own an aggregate of at least a majority of our then outstanding shares of common
stock, except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of the     
holders of any preferred stock, special meetings of stockholders for any purpose
may be called only by our board of directors, its chairman or, at the written   
request of a majority of our board of directors, our president, and the power of
stockholders to call a special meeting will be specifically denied.             

ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES                                                       

  Our bylaws require advance notice of the nomination, other than by or at
the direction of our board of directors, of candidates for election as          
directors, as well as for other stockholder proposals, to be considered at      
annual meetings of stockholders. Subject to some exceptions, notice of intent to
nominate a director or raise matters at these meetings will have to be received 
in writing by us not less than 90 nor more than 120 days prior to the           
anniversary of the previous year's annual meeting of stockholders, and must     
contain specific information concerning the person to be nominated or the       
matters to be brought before the meeting and concerning the stockholder         
submitting the proposal. If the chairman of a meeting determines that an        
individual was not nominated, or other business was not brought before the      
meeting, in accordance with the advance notice procedures, that individual will 
not be eligible for election as a director, or that business will not be        
conducted at such meeting, as the case may be.                                  

BOARD OF DIRECTORS                                                              

Our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws will provide that the 
number of directors shall be determined from time to time by a resolution       
adopted by the majority of our directors. Our certificate of incorporation and  

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our bylaws will also provide that the board of directors shall be divided into  
three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible. Each director will hold   
office until that person's successor is duly elected and qualified. Vacancies on
the board of directors shall be filled by a majority of the remaining directors,
or by a sole remaining director, or by our stockholders if the vacancy was      
caused by the action of our stockholders.                                       

  Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock or
any other series or class of stock to elect additional directors under specified
circumstances, prior to the date when Cabot and its affiliates cease to         
beneficially own an aggregate of at least a majority of our then outstanding    
shares of common stock, any director may be removed from office, with or without
cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the     
outstanding common stock, voting together as a single class. On and after the   
date when Cabot and its affiliates cease to beneficially own an aggregate of at 
least a majority of our then outstanding shares of common stock, any director   
may be removed from office only for cause upon the affirmative vote of holders  
of at least 80% of our outstanding common stock, voting as a single class. A    
director may not be removed by the stockholders at a meeting unless the notice  
of the meeting states that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the meeting  
is removal of the director.                                                     

 The provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws described
above would preclude a third party from removing incumbent directors and        
simultaneously gaining control of our board of directors by filling the         
vacancies created by removal with its own nominees. Under the classified board  
provisions described above, it would take at least two elections of directors   
for any individual or group to gain control of our board of directors.          

ADOPTION, AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF CERTIFICATE OR BYLAWS                          

    Our certificate of incorporation will provide that the affirmative vote of
holders of at least 80% of our outstanding common stock is required to amend,   
repeal or adopt any provision of our certificate of incorporation inconsistent  
with the provisions of that certificate regarding amendments to our bylaws,     
stockholder action by written consent, special meetings of stockholders, our    
board of directors and the election and removal of directors. Our certificate of
incorporation will further provide that our bylaws may be altered, amended or   
repealed only by our board of directors or upon the affirmative vote of holders 
of at least 80% of our outstanding common stock, voting together as a single    
class.                                                                          

SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW                             

   We must comply with the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware     
corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested       
stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in   
which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business          
combination is approved in a prescribed manner.                                 

     A "business combination" includes a merger, asset sale or other transaction
resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An "interested  
stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or,
in some cases, within three years prior, did own, 15% or more of the            
corporation's voting stock. Under Section 203, a business combination between   
our company and an interested stockholder is prohibited unless it satisfies one 
of the following three conditions:                                              

- our board of directors must have previously approved either the business      
combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an 
interested stockholder;                                                     

- upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming  
an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of 
  our voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding,
 for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding, shares owned by
(1) persons who are directors and also officers and                         

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(2) employee stock plans, in some instances; and                            

- the business combination is approved by our board of directors and authorized 
  at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders by the affirmative vote of
the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not 
owned by the interested stockholder.                                        

CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES 

     Our certificate of incorporation will provide that we and Cabot and our and
their respective subsidiaries may engage in the same or similar business        
activities and lines of business and have an interest in the same areas of      
corporate opportunities and that we and Cabot will continue to have contractual 
and business relations with each other (including service of directors and      
officers of Cabot as our directors and officers).                               

 Our certificate of incorporation will provide that, except as Cabot may
otherwise agree in writing, Cabot will have the right to:                       

- engage in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as us; 

- do business with any of our potential or actual customers or suppliers; and   

- employ or otherwise engage, or solicit for such purpose, any of our officers, 
directors or employees.                                                     

Neither Cabot nor any officer, employee or director of Cabot will be liable to  
us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary or other duty by reason of   
these activities.                                                               

   If Cabot acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may
be a corporate opportunity for both Cabot and us, Cabot will have no duty to    
communicate that opportunity to us and will not be liable to us or our          
stockholders because Cabot pursues or acquires that corporate opportunity for   
itself, directs that corporate opportunity to another person or entity or does  
not present that corporate opportunity to us.                                   

If one of our directors, officers or employees who is also a director,
officer or employee of Cabot acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or   
matter that may be a corporate opportunity for both us and Cabot, our           
certificate will require that our director, officer or employee act in good     
faith in accordance with the following policy:                                  

- a corporate opportunity offered to any person who is one of our directors but 
not one of our officers or employees and who is also an officer or employee 
(whether or not a director) of Cabot will belong to Cabot, unless the       
 opportunity is expressly offered to that person solely in his or her capacity
as our director, in which case the opportunity will belong to us;           

- a corporate opportunity offered to any person who is one of our officers or   
employees whether or not a director and who is also a director but not an   
officer or employee of Cabot will belong to us, unless the opportunity is   
expressly offered to that person solely in his or her capacity as a director
of Cabot, in which case the opportunity will belong to Cabot; and           

- a corporate opportunity offered to any other person who is (1) either one of  
 our officers or employees and either an officer or employee of Cabot or (2) a
director of both us and Cabot, will belong to Cabot, unless such opportunity
  is expressly offered to the person solely in his or her capacity as one of our
  officers, directors or employees, in which case the opportunity will belong to
us.                                                                         

For purposes of these corporate opportunity provisions, any of our    
directors who is chairman or vice chairman of our board of directors or a       
committee thereof will not be deemed to be one of our officers by reason of     
holding the position, unless the person is one of our full-time employees. If a 
corporate opportunity is offered to us or Cabot other than through a person who 
is an officer, director or employee of both us and Cabot, either we or Cabot can
pursue that opportunity.                                                        

Under our certificate of incorporation, any corporate opportunity that
belongs to Cabot or to us pursuant to the policy described above will not be    
pursued by the other or directed by the other to another person or              

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entity unless and until Cabot or we, as the case may be, determine not to pursue
the opportunity. If the party to whom the corporate opportunity belongs does    
not, however, within a reasonable period of time, begin to pursue, or thereafter
continue to pursue, such opportunity diligently and in good faith, the other    
party may pursue such opportunity or direct it to another person or entity.     

   Our directors, officers or employees acting in accordance with the policy
described above:                                                                

- will be deemed fully to have satisfied their fiduciary or other duties to us  
and our stockholders with respect to that corporate opportunity;            

- will not be liable to us or our stockholders for any breach of fiduciary duty 
by reason of the fact that Cabot pursues or acquires that opportunity for   
itself or directs that corporate opportunity to another person or do not    
communicate information regarding such opportunity to us;                   

- will be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably    
believe to be in our best interests; and                                    

- will be deemed not to have breached any duty of loyalty or other duty those   
  persons may have to us or our stockholders and not to have derived an improper
benefit from these actions.                                                 

  The corporate opportunity provisions in our certificate of incorporation
will expire on the date that Cabot ceases to beneficially own common stock      
representing at least 20% of the combined voting power of outstanding shares of 
our common stock.                                                               

     Our certificate of incorporation will provide that any person purchasing or
otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of our capital stock shall be    
deemed to have notice of and to have consented to these provisions.             

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

  The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is EquiServe, L.P.

RIGHTS PLAN 

Our board of directors has adopted a rights plan. Our rights plan is  
designed to make it more costly and thus more difficult to gain control of us   
without the consent of our board of directors. Under the rights plan:           

- our board of directors will declare a dividend of one preferred share purchase
right, or a right, for each outstanding share of our common stock; and      

- each right will entitle the registered holder to purchase from us one         
one-thousandth of a share of a new Series A Junior Participating Preferred  
Stock, par value $.001 per share, at a price of $130 per one thousandth of a
share, with adjustment.                                                     

     The description and terms of the rights are described in a rights agreement
between us and the designated rights agent. The description presented below is  
intended as a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 
rights agreement, a form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the           
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See "Where You Can
Find More Information".                                                         

  The rights will be attached to all certificates representing outstanding
shares of our common stock, and no separate right certificates will be          
distributed. The rights will separate from the shares of our common stock on the
close of business on the tenth day after the earlier to occur of:               

- a public announcement that, without the prior consent of our board of         
directors, a person or group, known as an acquiring person, including any   
affiliates or associates of that person or group, acquired beneficial       
ownership of securities having 15% or more of the voting power of all our   
 outstanding common stock. Cabot and its subsidiaries (for so long as they own
at least 50% of our outstanding equity securities), employee benefit plans  
established by or for the benefit of employees of Cabot or its subsidiaries,
and members of the Godfrey L. Cabot family and various trusts, estates,     
 corporations and other entities established for the benefit of or directly or
indirectly owned by the members of the                                      

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Godfrey L. Cabot family, are not included in the definition of acquiring    
person except in cases where Cabot family members or these trusts, estates, 
corporations and other entities are acting with certain third parties; and  

- the close of business on the tenth day following the date of the commencement 
of, or announcement of an intention to commence, a tender offer or exchange 
offer that would result in any person or group becoming an acquiring person.

    We refer to the date on which the rights separate from our common stock as
the distribution date. The first date of public announcement that a person or   
group has become an acquiring person is the stock acquisition date.             

Until the distribution date, rights will be transferred only with the 
shares of our common stock. In addition, until the distribution date, or earlier
redemption or expiration, of the rights:                                        

- new common stock certificates issued upon transfer or new issuance of shares  
 of common stock will contain a notation incorporating the rights agreement by
reference; and                                                              

- the surrender for transfer of any certificates for shares of common stock     
  outstanding, even without a notation, will also constitute the transfer of the
rights associated with the shares of common stock represented by the        
certificate.                                                                

As soon as practicable following the distribution date, separate      
certificates evidencing the rights will be mailed to holders of record of the   
shares of common stock as of the close of business on the distribution date, and
to each initial record holder of various shares of common stock issued after the
distribution date. The separate right certificates alone will evidence the      
rights.                                                                         

    The rights are not exercisable until the distribution date and will expire
at 5:00 P.M., New York time, on April 7, 2010, unless earlier redeemed by us as 
described below.                                                                

   If any person becomes an acquiring person, except by a permitted offer as
defined below, or in the event that more than 50% of our assets or earning power
is sold or transferred in either case with or to an acquiring person, each      
holder of a right will have, under the terms of the rights agreement, a flip-in 
right. A flip-in right is the right to receive upon exercise the number of      
shares of common stock, or, in the discretion of our board of directors, the    
number of one-thousandths of a share of preferred stock, or, in some            
circumstances, our other securities, having a value immediately before the      
triggering event equal to two times the exercise price. Notwithstanding the     
description above, following the occurrence of the event described above, all   
rights that are, or generally were, beneficially owned by any acquiring person  
or any affiliate or associate of an acquiring person will be null and void.     

    A permitted offer is a tender or exchange offer for all outstanding shares
of our common stock that is at a price and on terms determined, before the      
purchase of shares under the tender or exchange offer, by our board of          
directors, to be adequate, taking into account all factors that our board of    
directors deems relevant, and otherwise in our best interests and our           
stockholders' best interest, other than the person or any affiliate or associate
on whose behalf the offer is being made.                                        

If, at any time following the stock acquisition date:                 

- we are acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction in which
the holders of all of the outstanding shares of common stock immediately    
before the completion of the transaction are not the holders of all of the  
surviving corporation's voting power; or                                    

- more than 50% of our assets or earning power is sold or transferred with or to
an acquiring person; or                                                     

- if in the transaction all holders of shares of common stock are not offered   
the same consideration;                                                     

then each holder of a right, except rights which previously have been voided as 
described above, shall afterwards have the right, known as a flip-over right, to
receive, upon                                                                   

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exercise, shares of common stock of the acquiring company having a value equal  
to two times the exercise price. The holder of a right will continue to have the
flip-over right whether or not the holder exercises or surrenders the flip-in   
right.                                                                          

 The purchase price payable, and the number of thousandths of a share of
preferred stock or other securities issuable, upon exercise of the rights may be
adjusted from time to time to prevent dilution in the event of any one of the   
following:                                                                      

- a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the
preferred stock;                                                            

- the grant to holders of the shares of preferred stock of various rights or    
  warrants to subscribe for or purchase shares of preferred stock at a price, or
  securities convertible into shares of preferred stock with a conversion price,
less than the then current market price of the shares of preferred stock; or

- the distribution to holders of the shares of preferred stock of evidences of  
indebtedness or assets, excluding regular quarterly cash dividends, or of   
subscription rights or warrants, other than those referred to above.        

The purchase price may also be adjusted in the event of:              

- a stock split of the shares of common stock;                                  

- a stock dividend on the shares of common stock payable in shares of common    
stock; or                                                                   

- subdivisions, consolidations or combinations of the shares of common stock    
occurring, in any case, before the distribution date.                       

    With some exceptions, no adjustment in the purchase price will be required
until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% in the        
purchase price. No fractional one-thousandth of a share of preferred stock will 
be issued and, instead, an adjustment in cash will be made based on the market  
price of the shares of preferred stock on the last trading day before the date  
of exercise.                                                                    

At any time before the earlier to occur of:                           

- a person becoming an acquiring person; and                                    

- the expiration of the rights and various other circumstances,                 

we may redeem the rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.01 per     
right, or the redemption price, which redemption shall be effective upon the    
action of our board of directors. Additionally, we may redeem the then          
outstanding rights in whole, but not in part, at the redemption price in        
connection with a merger or other business combination transaction or series of 
transactions in which all holders of common stock are treated alike but not     
involving an interested stockholder, as defined below.                          

    The shares of preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of the rights will
be non-redeemable. Each share of preferred stock will have a minimum            
preferential quarterly dividend equal to the greater of $10.00 per share and an 
amount equal to 1,000 times the aggregate amount of all cash dividends per share
and non-cash dividends and distributions per share other than dividends payable 
in the form of common stock. In the event of liquidation, the holders of        
preferred stock will be entitled to receive the greater of:                     

- $10.00 per share, plus the amount of accrued and unpaid dividends and         
distributions on the preferred stock, whether or not declared; and          

- the aggregate amount per share equal to 1,000 times the aggregate amount to be
distributed per share to holders of common stock.                           

     Each share of junior preferred stock will have 1,000 votes, voting together
with the shares of common stock. In the event of any merger, consolidation or   
other transaction in which shares of common stock are exchanged, each share of  
preferred stock will be entitled to receive 1,000 times the amount and type of  
consideration received per share of common stock. The rights of the preferred   
stock as to dividends, liquidation and voting,                                  

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and in the event of mergers and consolidations, are protected by customary      
anti-dilution provisions. In the event that the amount of accrued and unpaid    
dividends on the preferred shares is equivalent to at least six full quarterly  
dividends, the holders of the preferred shares shall have the right, voting as a
class, to elect two directors in addition to the directors elected by the       
holders of the common shares until all cumulative dividends on the preferred    
shares have been paid through the last quarterly dividend payment date or until 
non-cumulative dividends have been paid regularly for at least one year.        

     Until a right is exercised, the holder will have no rights as a stockholder
with respect to the shares covered by that right, including, without limitation,
the right to vote or to receive dividends. While the distribution of the rights 
was not taxable to our stockholders, stockholders may, depending upon the       
circumstances, recognize taxable income should the rights become exercisable or 
upon the occurrence of some subsequent events.                                  

Interested stockholder means any acquiring person or any of their     
affiliates or associates, or any other person in which an acquiring person or   
their affiliates or associates have in excess of 5% of the total combined       
economic or voting power, or any person acting in concert or on behalf of any   
acquiring person or their affiliates or associates.                             

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE 

 Upon the completion of this offering, 22,989,744 shares of common stock
will be outstanding, or 23,589,744 shares if the underwriters exercise their    
over-allotment option in full. Of these shares, the 4,600,000 shares of common  
stock, assuming the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full,  
sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further    
registration under the Securities Act, unless held by an "affiliate" of our     
company as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. All of the
shares of common stock outstanding prior to this offering are "restricted       
securities", as defined under Rule 144. These shares are restricted securities  
because they were issued in private transactions not involving a public offering
and may not be sold in the absence of registration other than in accordance with
Rule 144 or Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act or another exemption  
from registration. This prospectus may not be used in connection with any resale
of shares of common stock acquired in this offering by our affiliates.          

     The shares of our common stock that will continue to be held by Cabot after
the offering constitute "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144, 
and will be eligible for sale by Cabot in the open market after the offering,   
subject to contractual lockup provisions and the applicable requirements of Rule
144. In connection with this offering, we and Cabot have agreed that, subject to
specified exceptions, for a period of 180 days after the date of this           
prospectus, we and they will not, without the prior written consent of Goldman, 
Sachs & Co., dispose of or hedge any shares of our common stock or any          
securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock.               

     In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, if a minimum of one year
has elapsed since the later of the date of acquisition of the restricted        
securities from the issuer or from an affiliate of the issuer, a person or      
persons whose shares of common stock are aggregated, including persons who may  
be deemed our affiliates, would be entitled to sell within any three-month      
period a number of shares of common stock that does not exceed the greater of:  

- one percent of the then-outstanding shares of common stock, which equals      
approximately 229,897 shares immediately after this offering; and           

- the average weekly trading volume during the four calendar weeks preceding the
date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC.                     

 Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain restrictions as to the
manner of sale, notice requirements and the availability of current public      
information about us. In addition, under Rule 144(k), if a period of at least   
two years has elapsed since the later of the date restricted securities were    
acquired from us or the date they were acquired from one of our affiliates, a   
stockholder who is not our affiliate at the time of sale and who has not been   
our affiliate for at least three months prior to the sale would be entitled to  
sell shares of common stock in the public market immediately without compliance 
with the foregoing requirements under Rule 144. Rule 144 does not require the   
same person to have held the securities for the applicable periods. The         
foregoing summary of Rule 144 is not intended to be a complete description.     

    Cabot has announced that it currently plans to complete its divestiture of
us by distributing all of the shares of our common stock which it owns to its   
stockholders. See "Relationships Between Our Company and Cabot Corporation" and 
"Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to Our Separation from Cabot".                  

  Any shares distributed by Cabot will be eligible for immediate resale in
the public market without restrictions by persons other than our affiliates. Our
affiliates would be subject to the restrictions of Rule 144 described above     
other than the one-year holding period requirement.                             

 Immediately following this offering, none of the 18,989,744 "restricted
securities" will be available for immediate sale in the public market pursuant  
to Rule 144(k). Shares of                                                       

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common stock issued pursuant to the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan generally will be
available for sale in the open market by holders who are not our affiliates and,
subject to the volume and other applicable limitations of Rule 144, by holders  
who are our affiliates, unless those shares are subject to vesting restrictions 
or the contractual restrictions described above. Following this offering, we    
intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to 
register 3.5 million shares of common stock reserved or to be available for     
issuance pursuant to our 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. Following this offering, we
also intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities   
Act to register 475,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our  
2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.                                              

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the common
stock. No information is currently available and we cannot predict the timing or
amount of future sales of shares, or the effect, if any, that future sales of   
shares, or the availability of shares for future sale, will have on the market  
price of the common stock prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial    
amounts of the common stock (including shares issuable upon the exercise of     
stock options) in the public market after the lapse of the restrictions         
described above, or the perception that such sales may occur, could materially  
adversely affect the prevailing market prices for the common stock and our      
ability to raise equity capital in the future. See "Risk Factors -- Risks       
Relating to this Offering -- The actual or possible sale of our shares by Cabot,
which will own more than 80% of our outstanding shares, could depress or reduce 
the market price of our common stock or cause our shares to trade below the     
prices at which they would otherwise trade".                                    

REGISTRATION RIGHTS 

     Some holders of our common stock are entitled to registration rights, which
are described under "Relationships Between Our Company and Cabot                
Corporation -- Registration Rights Agreement".                                  

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LEGAL MATTERS 

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (a partnership including     
professional corporations), New York, New York will pass upon the validity of   
the issuance of the shares of common stock offered hereby. The validity of the  
shares being issued in this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by
Sullivan & Cromwell, New York, New York.                                        

EXPERTS 

    The financial statements as of September 30, 1998 and 1999 and for each of
the three years in the period ended September 30, 1999 included in this         
prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of                   
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of  
said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.                                

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 with  
respect to the common stock being offered by this prospectus. This prospectus   
does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement 
and the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further       
information with respect to us and the shares of common stock offered by this   
prospectus, reference is made to the registration statement, including its      
exhibits and schedules. With respect to statements contained in this prospectus 
regarding the contents of any contract or any other document, reference is made 
to the copy of that contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the       
registration statement. You may review a copy of the registration statement,    
including its exhibits and schedules, at the SEC's public reference room,       
located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at the SEC's      
regional offices located at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,       
Illinois 60661, and Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York    
10048 or on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov. You may obtain a copy of the    
registration statement from the SEC's public reference room upon payment of     
prescribed fees. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information  
on the operation of the public reference room.                                  

     As a result of this offering, we will become subject to the information and
reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance with the Exchange 
Act, we will file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with 
the SEC.                                                                        

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                              PAGE(S)
                                                              -------
                                                                     
Report of Independent Accountants...........................    F-2  
Combined Balance Sheets at September 30, 1998 and 1999 and           
  at December 31, 1999 (unaudited)..........................    F-3  
Combined Statements of Income for the years ended September          
  30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 and for the three months ended             
  December 31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited)....................    F-4  
Combined Statements of Division Equity for the years ended           
  September 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 and for the three months         
  ended December 31, 1999 (unaudited).......................    F-5  
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended                
  September 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 and for the three months         
  ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited)..............    F-6  
Notes to Combined Financial Statements......................    F-7  

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

To the Board of Directors of Cabot Corporation:                                 

In our opinion, the accompanying combined balance sheets and the related        
combined statements of income, of changes in Division equity and of cash flows  
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cabot       
Microelectronics Materials Division (the "Division"), a division of Cabot       
Corporation, at September 30, 1998 and 1999, and the results of its operations  
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30,
1999 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United  
States. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Division's     
management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial      
statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in  
accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States,     
which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An    
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and  
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles    
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall   
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a          
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.                               

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP                                                  

Boston, Massachusetts                                                           
November 5, 1999                                                                

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                                         DECEMBER 31,    
                                                   SEPTEMBER 30,     --------------------
                                                 ------------------             PRO FORMA
                                                  1998       1999     1999        1999   
                                                  ----       ----     ----      ---------
                                                                         (UNAUDITED)     
                                                                                         
ASSETS                                                                                   
Current assets:                                                                          
  Cash.......................................... $    38    $    38  $   103     $   103 
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for                                                
     doubtful accounts of $50 at September 30,                                           
     1998 and 1999 and December 31, 1999                                                 
     (unaudited)................................   9,057     19,888   22,563      22,563 
  Inventories...................................   5,913      5,269    8,617       8,617 
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.....     142        285      772         772 
  Deferred income taxes.........................     431        640      640         640 
                                                 -------    -------  -------     ------- 
          Total current assets..................  15,581     26,120   32,695      32,695 
Property, plant and equipment, net..............  24,713     40,031   46,400      44,800 
Goodwill, net...................................   1,890      1,610    1,540       1,540 
Other intangible assets, net....................   2,878      2,438    2,328       2,328 
Deferred income taxes...........................      69         75       23          23 
                                                 -------    -------  -------     ------- 
          Total assets.......................... $45,131    $70,274  $82,986     $81,386 
                                                 =======    =======  =======     ======= 
LIABILITIES AND DIVISION EQUITY                                                          
Current liabilities:                                                                     
  Accounts payable.............................. $   914    $   995    1,220       1,220 
  Accrued expenses and other current                                                     
     liabilities................................   3,956      6,780    6,182       6,182 
  Distribution payable..........................      --         --       --      71,200 
                                                 -------    -------  -------     ------- 
          Total current liabilities.............   4,870      7,775    7,402      78,602 
Deferred compensation...........................     233        422      528         528 
                                                 -------    -------  -------     ------- 
          Total liabilities.....................   5,103      8,197    7,930      79,130 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)                                                  
Division equity.................................  40,028     62,077   75,056       2,256 
                                                 -------    -------  -------     ------- 
Total liabilities and division equity........... $45,131    $70,274  $82,986     $81,386 
                                                 =======    =======  =======     ======= 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial 
statements. 
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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                                             THREE MONTHS   
                                                                                 ENDED      
                                               YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,      DECEMBER 31,   
                                              ---------------------------  -----------------
                                               1997      1998      1999     1998      1999  
                                               ----      ----      ----     ----      ----  
                                                                              (UNAUDITED)   
                                                                                            
Revenue...................................... $33,851   $56,862   $95,701  $20,325   $34,230
Revenue -- related party.....................   1,360     1,969     2,989      550       816
                                              -------   -------   -------  -------   -------
                                               35,211    58,831    98,690   20,875    35,046
                                              -------   -------   -------  -------   -------
Cost of goods sold...........................  18,561    27,686    44,902    9,486    15,372
Cost of goods sold -- related party..........   1,360     1,969     2,989      550       816
                                              -------   -------   -------  -------   -------
                                               19,921    29,655    47,891   10,036    16,188
                                              -------   -------   -------  -------   -------
          Gross profit.......................  15,290    29,176    50,799   10,839    18,858
Operating expenses:                                                                         
  Research and development...................   8,411    10,139    14,551    3,445     4,484
  Selling and marketing......................   1,028     3,293     4,572      954     1,250
  General and administrative.................   4,468     8,576    11,880    2,570     3,896
  Amortization of goodwill and other                                                        
     intangibles.............................     720       720       720      180       180
                                              -------   -------   -------  -------   -------
          Total operating expenses...........  14,627    22,728    31,723    7,149     9,810
                                              -------   -------   -------  -------   -------
Income before income taxes...................     663     6,448    19,076    3,690     9,048
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes....     (45)    2,211     6,796    1,313     3,300
                                              -------   -------   -------  -------   -------
          Net income......................... $   708   $ 4,237   $12,280  $ 2,377   $ 5,748
                                              =======   =======   =======  =======   =======
Unaudited pro forma net income per share.....                     $  0.60            $  0.27
                                                                  =======            =======
Unaudited pro forma shares outstanding.......                      20,627             21,678
                                                                  =======            =======

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial 
statements. 
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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN DIVISION EQUITY 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                                        ACCUMULATED                                        
                                                                           OTHER                                    TOTAL  
                                                   PARENT    RETAINED  COMPREHENSIVE  COMPREHENSIVE    UNEARNED    DIVISION
                                                 INVESTMENT  EARNINGS     INCOME         INCOME      COMPENSATION   EQUITY 
                                                 ----------  --------  -------------  -------------  ------------  --------
                                                                                                                           
Balance at September 30, 1996...................  $27,147    $  (511)     $   25                       $  (452)    $26,209 
Capital contribution from Cabot Corporation.....    1,214                                                            1,214 
Issuance of Cabot restricted stock under                                                                                   
  employee compensation plans...................      451                                                 (451)         -- 
Amortization of deferred compensation...........                                                           242         242 
Net income......................................                 708                     $   708                           
Foreign currency translation adjustment.........                              51              51                           
                                                                                         -------                           
Total comprehensive income......................                                         $   759                       759 
                                                  -------    -------      ------         =======       -------     ------- 
Balance at September 30, 1997...................   28,812        197          76                          (661)     28,424 

Capital contribution from Cabot Corporation.....    6,822                                                            6,822 
Issuance of Cabot restricted stock under                                                                                   
  employee compensation plans...................      878                                                 (878)         -- 
Amortization of deferred compensation...........                                                           449         449 
Net income......................................               4,237                     $ 4,237                           
Foreign currency translation adjustment.........                              96              96                           
                                                                                         -------                           
Total comprehensive income......................                                         $ 4,333                     4,333 
                                                  -------    -------      ------         =======       -------     ------- 
Balance at September 30, 1998...................   36,512      4,434         172                        (1,090)     40,028 

Capital contribution from Cabot Corporation.....    8,067                                                            8,067 
Issuance of Cabot restricted stock under                                                                                   
  employee compensation plans...................    2,050                                               (2,050)         -- 
Amortization of deferred compensation...........                                                           900         900 
Net income......................................              12,280                     $12,280                           
Foreign currency translation adjustment.........                             802             802                           
                                                                                         -------                           
Total comprehensive income......................                                         $13,082                    13,082 
                                                  -------    -------      ------         =======       -------     ------- 
Balance at September 30, 1999...................   46,629     16,714         974                        (2,240)     62,077 

Capital contribution from Cabot Corporation                                                                                
  (unaudited)...................................    6,922                                                            6,922 
Issuance of Cabot restricted stock under                                                                                   
  employee compensation plans (unaudited).......       57                                                  (57)         -- 
Amortization of deferred compensation                                                                                      
  (unaudited)...................................                                                           275         275 
Net income (unaudited)..........................               5,748                     $ 5,748                           
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                                                                    
  (unaudited)...................................                              34              34                           
                                                                                         -------                           
Total comprehensive income (unaudited)..........                                         $ 5,782                     5,782 
                                                  -------    -------      ------         =======       =======     ------- 
Balance at December 31, 1999 (unaudited)........  $53,608    $22,462      $1,008                       $(2,022)    $75,056 
                                                  =======    =======      ======                       =======     ======= 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial 
statements. 
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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                                           THREE MONTHS    
                                                                               ENDED       
                                            YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,       DECEMBER 31,    
                                          ----------------------------   ----------------- 
                                           1997      1998       1999      1998      1999   
                                           ----      ----       ----      ----      ----   
                                                                            (UNAUDITED)    
                                                                                           
Cash flows from operating activities:                                                      
  Net income............................  $   708   $ 4,237   $ 12,280   $ 2,377   $ 5,748 
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to                                                   
     net cash provided by operating                                                        
     activities:                                                                           
     Depreciation and amortization......    1,911     2,208      2,777       585       932 
     Noncash compensation expense.......      242       449        900       225       275 
     Provision for inventory                                                               
       writedown........................       30       140        130        --        -- 
     Deferred income tax expense........       91      (143)      (215)       --        52 
     Loss on disposal of property, plant                                                   
       and equipment....................       --        30        141        --        (5)
     Changes in operating assets and                                                       
       liabilities:                                                                        
       Accounts receivable..............   (1,829)   (3,213)   (10,616)   (1,775)   (2,547)
       Inventories......................   (1,201)   (3,246)       646       899    (3,353)
       Prepaid expenses and other                                                          
          current assets................       (1)     (139)      (143)       40      (482)
       Accounts payable.................      165       290         74       383       219 
       Accrued expenses and other                                                          
          current liabilities...........      166     1,600      2,787      (700)     (596)
       Deferred compensation............       79       114        189        47       106 
                                          -------   -------   --------   -------   ------- 
Net cash provided by operating                                                             
  activities............................      361     2,327      8,950     2,081       349 
                                          -------   -------   --------   -------   ------- 
Cash flows from investing activities:                                                      
  Additions to property, plant and                                                         
     equipment..........................   (1,692)   (9,313)   (17,194)   (6,810)   (7,196)
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant                                                    
     and equipment......................       --         3         65        --         6 
                                          -------   -------   --------   -------   ------- 
Net cash used by investing activities...   (1,692)   (9,310)   (17,129)   (6,810)   (7,190)
                                          -------   -------   --------   -------   ------- 
Net capital contributed by Cabot                                                           
  Corporation...........................    1,214     6,822      8,067     4,706     6,922 
                                          -------   -------   --------   -------   ------- 
Effect of exchange rate changes                                                            
  on cash...............................      107       194        112       (56)      (16)
                                          -------   -------   --------   -------   ------- 
Increase (decrease) in cash.............      (10)       33         --        33        65 
Cash at beginning of period.............       15         5         38         5        38 
                                          -------   -------   --------   -------   ------- 
Cash at end of period...................  $     5   $    38   $     38   $    38   $   103 
                                          =======   =======   ========   =======   ======= 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial 
statements. 
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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:                          

   Cabot, Microelectronics Materials Division (the "Division") is a division
of Cabot Corporation ("Cabot"). The Division is a leading supplier to Chemical  
Mechanical Planarization ("CMP") slurries to the semiconductor industry         
worldwide. The accompanying financial statements are derived from the historical
books and records of Cabot and present the assets and liabilities, results of   
operations and cash flows applicable to the Division. The financial statements  
of the Division have been prepared for inclusion in a registration statement    
relating to the public offering of a portion of the common stock of Cabot       
Microelectronics Corporation ("CMC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cabot which  
was incorporated in October 1999.                                               

   The combined financial statements include the accounts of each subsidiary
or part of each subsidiary which forms Cabot's Microelectronics Materials       
Division. Intercompany transactions between entities within the Division have   
been eliminated.                                                                

   The combined balance sheets have been prepared using the historical basis
of accounting and include all of the assets and liabilities specifically        
identifiable to the Division. The combined statements of income include all     
revenue and costs attributable to the Division, including a corporate allocation
of employee benefits and costs of shared services (including legal, finance,    
human resources, information systems, corporate office, and safety, health and  
environmental expenses). These costs are allocated to the Division based on     
criteria that management believes to be equitable, such as the Division's       
revenue, headcount, or actual utilization in proportion to Cabot's revenue,     
headcount, or actual utilization. Management believes this provides a reasonable
estimate of the costs attributable to the Division. For the years ended         
September 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999, such allocated costs amounted to $2,358,     
$3,917, and $5,716, respectively, and are included in operating expenses. For   
the three months ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, such allocated costs amounted
to $1,401 and $1,487, respectively. Allocated costs may not necessarily be      
indicative of the costs that would have been incurred by the Division on a      
stand-alone basis.                                                              

Unaudited Interim Financial Statements -- The accompanying financial  
information as of December 31, 1999 and for the three-month periods ended       
December 31, 1998 and 1999 is unaudited. The unaudited interim financial        
information has been prepared on the same basis as the accompanying annual      
financial statements. In the opinion of management, such interim financial      
information reflects adjustments consisting of normal and recurring adjustments 
necessary for a fair presentation of such financial information. The unaudited  
results of operations for the interim periods ended December 31, 1998 and 1999  
are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for  
any other interim period or for the full year.                                  

    Unaudited Pro Forma Balance Sheet -- The Division intends to distribute to
Cabot, in the form of two dividends, $17,000 expected to be borrowed under a    
term loan facility (Note 16) and an amount equal to the lesser of Cabot's tax   
basis in the Division upon the initial public offering (after the payment of the
$17,000 dividend) or the net proceeds of the offering. The unaudited pro forma  
combined balance sheet has been prepared assuming an estimated $71,200          
distribution was payable at December 31, 1999, Cabot's estimated tax basis in   
the Division as of that date. In addition, certain assets amounting to          
approximately $1,600, which were historically part of the Division, were not    
transferred to CMC as discussed in Note 3 -- Arrangements with Cabot, Facilities
Lease Arrangements and Master Separation Agreement. The Division is             

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

expected to lease $780 of these assets from Cabot after the initial public      
offering. The removal of these assets is reflected in the pro forma balance     
sheet.                                                                          

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:                                 

CASH                                                                        

Cash management for the Division was provided by Cabot and net cash   
provided by Cabot was recorded as contributions of capital to the Division.     

INVENTORIES                                                                 

  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in,
first-out (FIFO) basis, or market. Finished goods and work in process           
inventories include material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs.           

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT                                               

   Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is based
on the following estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line   
method:                                                                         

                                                                [Download Table]
                                                                         
Buildings...................................................  20-25 years
Machinery and equipment.....................................   5-10 years
Furniture and fixtures......................................   5-10 years
Information systems.........................................    3-5 years

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as    
incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized and   
depreciated over the remaining useful lives. As assets are retired or sold, the 
related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any 
resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations.                

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS                                        

 Goodwill and other intangible assets were acquired in connection with a
July 1995 purchase of selected assets (see Note 4). Other intangible assets     
consist of trade secrets and know-how, distribution rights, customer lists and  
workforce in place. Goodwill and other intangible assets are amortized on the   
straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.                          

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS                                             

    The Division reviews long-lived assets, including goodwill, for impairment
whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of   
these assets are no longer appropriate. Each impairment test is based on a      
comparison of the undiscounted cash flows to the recorded value of the asset. If
an impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to its estimated fair     
value on a discounted cash flow basis.                                          

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION                                                

  The Division's operations in Europe and Asia operate primarily using the
local currency. Accordingly, all assets and liabilities of these operations are 
translated using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, and revenue 
and costs are translated using weighted average exchange rates for the period.  
The related translation adjustments are reported in Comprehen-                  

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

sive Income in division equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency
transactions are immaterial for all periods presented.                          

FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANAGEMENT                                                 

The Division has used forward exchange contracts solely to hedge firm 
commitments denominated in Japanese Yen associated with the construction of its 
Japan plant. The terms of the currency instrument used to hedge this exposure   
were consistent with the timing of the committed hedged transaction. The gains  
and losses on the forward exchange contracts that were designated as hedges of  
the firm commitment associated with the construction of its Japan plant were    
deferred and capitalized as part of the cost of the plant. During fiscal 1998,  
the Division had a $699 loss on these forward exchange contracts. Cash flows    
from these forward exchange contracts have been included in additions to        
property, plant and equipment in the combined statement of cash flows. The      
purpose of the Division's foreign currency management activity is to protect the
Division from the risk that eventual cash flow requirements from significant    
foreign currency commitments may be adversely affected by changes in exchange   
rates. The Division has not entered into any other derivative transactions. The 
Division had no forward exchange contracts during 1997 or 1999. The Division    
does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative        
purposes.                                                                       

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS                                        

 The recorded amounts of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable
approximate their fair values.                                                  

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK                                                

     Financial instruments that subject the Division to concentrations of credit
risk consist principally of accounts receivable. The Division performs ongoing  
credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and generally does not 
require collateral to secure accounts receivable. The Division's exposure to    
credit risk associated with nonpayment is affected principally by conditions or 
occurrences within the semiconductor industry. The Division historically has not
experienced losses relating to accounts receivables from individual customers or
groups of customers. The Division maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts  
based on an assessment of the collectibility of such accounts.                  

 At September 30, 1998, one customer accounted for 40.2% of net accounts
receivable. At September 30, 1999, three customers accounted for 41.0% of net   
accounts receivable.                                                            

 Revenue from customers who represented more than 10% of revenue were as
follows:                                                                        

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                    YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                    ------------------------
                                                    1997      1998      1999
                                                    ----      ----      ----
                                                                            
Customer A........................................  42%       38%       22% 
Customer B........................................  11%       12%       10% 
Customer C........................................   --        --       15% 

Customers B and C in the above table are distributors.                

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

REVENUE RECOGNITION                                                         

 Revenue is recognized upon completion of delivery obligations, provided
acceptance and collectibility are reasonably assured. A provision for the       
estimated warranty cost is recorded at the time revenue is recognized based on  
the Division's historical experience.                                           

  The Division manufactures certain dispersions which are sold to Cabot at
cost. These sales are disclosed as revenue from related party in the combined   
statements of income. Cabot and the Division have entered into a dispersions    
services agreement, effective upon the closing date of the planned initial      
public offering, which provides for dispersions to be sold to Cabot at cost plus
a margin. Under the new agreement, Cabot will supply the Division with fumed    
metal oxide raw materials for these dispersions at no cost. Accordingly, the    
cost of these fumed metal oxides will not be included in revenue or cost of     
goods sold (see Note 3). Had the dispersions services agreement been effective  
for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 and the three months ended
December 31, 1998 and 1999, pro forma unaudited revenue from related party would
have been $988, $1,360, $1,994, $367 and $574, respectively.                    

COST OF GOODS SOLD                                                          

The Division has historically purchased all of its fumed metal oxides,
critical raw materials used in the manufacturing process, from Cabot at Cabot's 
budgeted standard cost. Purchases of fumed metal oxides from Cabot by the       
Division totaled $8,812, $16,273, and $20,310 during fiscal 1997, 1998, and     
1999, respectively. Purchases of fumed metal oxides from Cabot by the Division  
totaled $4,269 and $7,374 for the three months ended December 31, 1998 and 1999,
respectively.                                                                   

     The Division has entered into a new fumed metal oxide supply agreement with
Cabot, effective immediately prior to the closing date of the planned initial   
public offering, under which it will purchase fumed metal oxides at a           
contractually agreed upon price (see Note 3). Had the purchases of fumed metal  
oxides that were recorded in cost of goods sold for the years ended September   
30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 been at the price specified in the new supply agreement 
rather than at Cabot's budgeted standard cost of manufacturing, pro forma       
unaudited cost of goods sold would have been $21,235, $31,880, and $50,827,     
respectively. Had the purchases of fumed metal oxides that were recorded in cost
of goods sold for the three months ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 been at the 
price specified in the new supply agreement rather than at Cabot's budgeted     
standard cost of manufacturing, pro forma unaudited cost of goods sold would    
have been $10,738 and $16,760, respectively.                                    

     Cost of sales made to Cabot is disclosed as cost of goods sold from related
party in the combined statements of income. Had the dispersions services        
agreement discussed above been effective for the years ended September 30, 1997,
1998 and 1999 and the three months ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, pro forma  
unaudited cost of goods sold from related party would have been $838, $1,150,   
$1,645, $301 and $490, respectively.                                            

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT                                                    

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.              

INCOME TAXES                                                                

    The Division was not a separate taxable entity for federal, state or local
income tax purposes. The Division's operations are included in the consolidated 
Cabot tax returns. An                                                           

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

income tax provision has been calculated on a separate return basis. Prior to   
the consummation of the offering, the Division intends to enter into a          
tax-sharing agreement with Cabot as described in Note 3.                        

Deferred income taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax
effects or differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax 
bases of existing assets and liabilities. Provisions are made for the U.S.      
income tax liability and additional non-U.S. taxes.                             

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION                                                    

 The Division participates in Cabot's stock-based compensation plans. In
accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards   
("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), the   
Division has elected to account for stock-based compensation plans in accordance
with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" ("APB 25"), and related interpretations. The Division discloses the  
summary of pro forma effects to reported net income for fiscal 1997, 1998 and   
1999, as if the Division had elected to recognize compensation cost based on the
fair value of the options and restricted stock granted by Cabot to employees of 
the Division as prescribed by SFAS 123.                                         

EARNINGS PER SHARE                                                          

Unaudited pro forma net income per share has been calculated using the
18,989,744 shares that will be owned by Cabot at the completion of the planned  
initial public offering (the "offering") of a portion of the common stock of CMC
and the number of shares that the Division would have been required to issue to 
fund a dividend to Cabot in an amount equal to Cabot's tax basis in the Division
at each period end minus the earnings from that period at an issue price per    
share equal to $18.03, which is the initial public offering price of $20.00 per 
share less the estimated underwriting discounts and offering expenses.          
Historical earnings per share are not presented in the accompanying financial   
statements as such amounts are not considered meaningful.                       

USE OF ESTIMATES                                                            

 The preparation of the combined financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain    
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and        
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date 
of the combined financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and    
expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those     
estimates.                                                                      

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                                                        

The Division implemented SFAS No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income"
("SFAS 130"), effective October 1, 1998. This standard requires the Division to 
report the total changes in Division equity that do not result directly from    
transactions with stockholders, including those which do not affect retained    
earnings. Other comprehensive income recorded by the Division is solely         
comprised of accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments, net of       
related tax effects. The deferred tax expense associated with foreign currency  
translation adjustments was $32, $58, and $492 during fiscal 1997, 1998 and     
1999, respectively. The deferred tax expense associated with foreign currency   
translation adjustments was $21 for the three months ended December 31, 1999.   
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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS                                            

In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 
("AICPA") issued Statement of Position 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of       
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use" ("SOP 98-1"). SOP 98-1
provides guidance regarding whether computer software is internal-use software, 
the capitalization of costs incurred for computer software developed or obtained
for internal use and accounting for the proceeds of computer software originally
developed or obtained for internal use and then subsequently sold to the public.
The Division does not expect the impact of adopting SOP 98-1, which will be     
effective for the Division in fiscal 2000, to be material to its financial      
condition or results of operations.                                             

   In April 1998, the AICPA issued Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on
the Costs of Start-Up Activities" ("SOP 98-5"). SOP 98-5 requires companies to  
expense start-up and organization costs as incurred. SOP 98-5 broadly defines   
start-up activities and provides examples to help entities determine costs that 
are and are not within the scope of SOP 98-5. SOP 98-5 will be effective for the
Division in fiscal 2000, and its initial application is to be reported as the   
cumulative effective of a change in accounting principle. The Division does not 
expect the impact of adopting SOP 98-5 to be material to its financial condition
or results of operations.                                                       

     In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS  
133"). SFAS 133 establishes new standards of accounting and reporting for       
derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS 133 requires that all       
derivatives be recognized at fair value in the balance sheet, and the           
corresponding gains and losses be reported either in the statement of income or 
as a component of comprehensive income, depending on the type of hedging        
relationship that exists. The Division does not expect the impact of SFAS 133,  
which will be effective for fiscal 2001, to be significant given its limited use
of derivatives.                                                                 

   In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") released
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 ("SAB 101"), which provides guidance on the   
recognition, presentation and disclosure of revenue in financial statements     
filed with the SEC. The Division is required to be in conformity with the       
provisions of SAB 101 no later than October 1, 2000 and does not expect a       
material change in its financial condition or results of operations as a result 
of SAB 101.                                                                     

3.  ARRANGEMENTS WITH CABOT:                                                    

   These combined financial statements have been prepared for inclusion in a
registration statement relating to the offering of a portion of the common stock
of CMC. Cabot will continue to beneficially own more than 80% of the outstanding
shares of common stock after the offering. In addition, Cabot has announced that
sometime after the offering it intends to distribute, pro rata to its           
stockholders, all of the shares that it owns by means of a tax-free distribution
(subject to board of director's approval and other conditions) (the "spin-off").

   CMC's relationship with Cabot following the offering and spin-off will be
governed by the following agreements.                                           

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

FUMED METAL OXIDE SUPPLY AGREEMENT                                          

 The Division has entered into a fumed metal oxide supply agreement with
Cabot which will become effective upon the closing of the offering. Cabot will  
continue to be the exclusive supplier of fumed metal oxides, including fumed    
silica, for the Division's existing slurry products. The agreement provides for 
a fixed annual increase in the price of fumed silica of approximately 2% and    
additional increases if Cabot's raw material costs increase. The agreement      
contains provisions requiring Cabot to supply the Division with fumed silica in 
specified volumes. The Division is obligated to purchase at least 90% of the    
six-month volume forecast and the Division must pay damages to Cabot if the     
Division purchases less than that amount. In addition, the Division is obligated
to pay all reasonable costs incurred by Cabot to provide quality control testing
at levels greater than that which Cabot provides to other customers. Under the  
agreement, Cabot will also supply fumed alumina on terms generally similar to   
those described above. Cabot is not permitted to sell fumed metal oxides to     
third parties for use in CMP applications.                                      

Under the agreement, Cabot warrants that its products will meet the   
Division's agreed upon product specifications. Cabot will be obligated to       
replace noncompliant products with products that meet the agreed upon           
specifications. The agreement also provides that any change to product          
specifications for fumed metal oxides must be by mutual agreement. Any increased
costs due to product specification changes will be paid by the Division.        

    Historically, the Division did not provide detailed product specifications
to Cabot and the Division had the ability to return products that met           
specifications. Under the new agreement, the Division will provide detailed     
specifications and its ability to return products may be limited.               

The agreement has an initial term that expires in June 2005 and may be
terminated thereafter by either party on June 30 or December 31 in any year upon
18 months prior written notice.                                                 

DISPERSIONS SERVICES AGREEMENT                                              

   The Division has entered into a dispersions services agreement with Cabot
which will become effective upon the closing of the offering. The Division will 
continue to offer fumed metal oxide dispersions services to Cabot, including the
manufacturing, packaging and testing of the dispersions. Under the agreement,   
Cabot shall supply the Division with the fumed metal oxide particles necessary  
for the manufacture of the dispersions. The pricing of the dispersions services 
will be determined on a cost-plus basis. The Division's obligation to provide   
Cabot with dispersions will be limited to certain maximum volumes and Cabot will
be obligated to supply to the Division certain forecasts of their expected      
dispersions purchases. Cabot agrees not to engage any third party other than    
Davies to provide dispersion services unless the Division is unable to supply   
the requested or agreed-upon services. The agreement has an initial term that   
expires in June 2005 and may be terminated by either party on June 30 or        
December 31 in any year upon 18 months prior notice.                            

FACILITIES LEASE ARRANGEMENTS                                               

     Beginning in March 2000, the Division will sublease from Cabot the land and
building space located in Barry, Wales that the Division has historically       
utilized. These assets, with a carrying value of approximately $827 at September
30, 1999 and approximately $780 at December 31,                                 

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

1999, have been included in the Division's property, plant and equipment balance
in the financial statements. As noted below under the caption "Master Separation
Agreement", these assets were not transferred to CMC and have been reflected as 
a pro forma adjustment in the unaudited pro forma balance sheet. The lease will 
expire after ten years, subject to earlier termination under certain            
circumstances.                                                                  

MASTER SEPARATION AGREEMENT                                                 

     The Division has entered into a master separation agreement with Cabot that
provides for the transfer of the legal ownership of substantially all of the    
assets and liabilities of the Division to CMC. The Division's land and building 
located in Barry, Wales were not transferred to CMC as discussed above under the
caption "Facilities Lease Arrangements". In addition, assets with an approximate
carrying value of $200 at September 30, 1999 and $820 at December 31, 1999 were 
not transferred upon the separation. These assets are included in the historical
balance sheets and the removal of these assets is reflected in the pro forma    
balance sheet. CMC has agreed to pay the costs of the transfer of assets from   
Cabot including moving expenses, transfer taxes, fees related to the assignment 
of contracts and expenses related to notices to customers, suppliers or other   
third parties.                                                                  

    The Division has assumed all liabilities and obligations of Cabot relating
to or arising out of the Division's business operations any time on or before   
the date of the transfer of the Division's business operations to CMC other than
various excluded liabilities.                                                   

   Under the master separation agreement, Cabot has transferred intellectual
property rights related solely to the business conducted by the Division,       
including patents, copyrights, trademarks, technology and know-how and licenses 
and other rights concerning third party technology and intellectual property.   

     CMC will indemnify Cabot against any losses or actions arising out of or in
connection with the liabilities assumed by CMC as part of the separation,       
including any liabilities arising out of the current litigation with Rodel      
discussed elsewhere and the conduct of CMC's business and affairs after the     
separation date. The Master Separation Agreement also provides that Cabot will  
continue to defend the lawsuits instituted by Rodel against Cabot until CMC     
notifies Cabot that they will assume defense of the lawsuits.                   

TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT                                                 

     The Division has entered into a trademark license agreement with Cabot that
governs their use of various trademarks used in their core business. Under the  
agreement, Cabot has granted a worldwide royalty-free license to use the        
trademarks in connection with the manufacture, sale or distribution of products 
related to the business. Under the agreement, the Division will refrain from    
various actions that could interfere with Cabot's ownership of the trademarks.  
The agreement also provides that the Division's license to use the trademarks   
may be terminated for various reasons, including discontinued use of the        
trademarks, breach of the agreement, or a change in control of CMC.             

MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT                                               

   The Division and Cabot have entered into a management services agreement,
which will become effective upon the closing of this offering, pursuant to which
Cabot will provide certain                                                      

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

administrative and corporate support services to the Division on an interim or  
transitional basis. Such services include human resources, accounting, treasury,
tax, facilities, legal and information services. The charges for such services  
allow Cabot to recover the fully allocated costs of providing such services plus
all out-of-pocket, third party costs and expenses, but without any profit to    
Cabot. The management services agreement commences on the date of the offering  
and continues until the earlier of the date of the spin-off or two years from   
the completion of the offering. By mutual agreement, Cabot and the Division may 
provide for the continuation of some services after the spin-off.               

CONFIDENTIAL DISCLOSURE AND LICENSE AGREEMENT                               

The Division has entered into a confidential disclosure and license   
agreement with respect to confidential and proprietary information, intellectual
property and certain other matters. Cabot is expected to grant a fully paid,    
world-wide non-exclusive license to the Division for Cabot's copyrights, patents
and technology that were used by Cabot in connection with the Division's        
activities prior to their separation from Cabot. The Division has granted to    
Cabot a fully paid, world-wide, non-exclusive license to copyrights, patents and
technologies that are among the assets transferred to the Division under the    
master separation agreement and that would be infringed by the manufacture,     
treatment, processing, handling, marketing, sale or use of any products or      
services sold by Cabot for applications other than CMP.                         

   In addition, Cabot has assigned an undivided one-half interest in various
patents, copyrights and technology that relate to dispersion technology, which  
are owned by Cabot and used in Cabot's dispersion business and the Division's   
business. Any costs, taxes or other fees related to the assignments and         
transfers of intellectual property will generally be paid by the Division.      

INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT                          

   The Division has entered into an initial public offering and distribution
agreement with Cabot which governs the respective rights and duties of the      
Division and Cabot with respect to the offering and the spin-off. This agreement
will be effective as of the closing of the offering. After the offering, Cabot  
will continue to own a significant portion of the common stock of CMC. As a     
result, Cabot will continue to include CMC as a "subsidiary" for financial      
reporting, accounting and other purposes. Accordingly, the Division has agreed  
to certain covenants in the initial public offering and distribution agreement, 
which will be binding on CMC as long as Cabot owns at least 50% of the CMC's    
outstanding common stock. These covenants include restrictions on incurring debt
in excess of an aggregate of $50,000 outstanding at any time. CMC will not be   
allowed to take any action which has the effect of limiting Cabot's ability to  
freely sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of shares of CMC's common stock. In    
addition, CMC will not be allowed to issue any shares of common stock or any    
rights, warrants or options to acquire CMC's common stock, if after giving      
effect to such issuance, Cabot would own less than 80.5% of the then outstanding
shares of CMC's common stock. If Cabot's shareholding in CMC has dropped or will
drop below 80.5%, Cabot can require CMC to reverse or terminate the action or   
issue additional equity securities to it at no cost or purchase additional      
equity securities of CMC in the open market or from other third parties, in     
which case CMC would have to reimburse Cabot for the costs it incurred in making
such a purchase. After the second anniversary of the closing of the initial     
public offering, these provisions would terminate with respect to issuances of  
equity securities by CMC under CMC's 2000 Equity Incentive Plan and 2000        
Employee Stock Purchase Plan except that, in the event of any such issuance, CMC
may still be obligated to issue                                                 
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

additional equity securities to Cabot at the per share fair market value of     
those securities. Cabot has announced that it plans to complete a spin-off      
within six to twelve months after the date of a private letter ruling from the  
United States Internal Revenue Service confirming that the spin-off is tax-free 
to Cabot. However, Cabot is not obligated to complete the spin-off in this time 
frame or at all. The agreement indemnifies Cabot against all liabilities out of 
any material untrue statements or omissions in the prospectus and registration  
statement related to the offering. The Division is responsible for paying the   
costs and expenses incurred in connection with the offering.                    

TAX-SHARING AGREEMENT                                                       

  After the offering, the Division will continue to be included in Cabot's
consolidated federal income tax group for as long as Cabot beneficially owns at 
least 80% of the total voting power and value of the outstanding common stock.  
The Division and Cabot have entered into a tax-sharing agreement pursuant to    
which the Division and Cabot will make payments between them to achieve the same
effects as if the Division were to file separate federal, state and local income
tax returns. Under the terms of the tax-sharing agreement, Cabot will not be    
required to make any payment to the Division for the use of the Division's tax  
attributes that arise prior to the spin-off until such time as the Division     
would otherwise be able to utilize such attributes. Each member of a            
consolidated group is jointly and severally liable for the federal income tax   
liability of each other member of the consolidated group. Accordingly, although 
the tax-sharing agreement allocates tax liabilities between the Division and    
Cabot, during the period in which the Division is included in Cabot's           
consolidated group, the Division could be liable in the event that any federal  
tax liability is incurred, but not discharged, by any other member of Cabot's   
consolidated group. The Division will indemnify Cabot in the event that the     
expected spin-off is not tax free to Cabot as a result of various actions taken 
by or with respect to the Division or the Division's failure to take various    
actions.                                                                        

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT                                               

     Although Cabot has announced its plans to complete a spin-off within six to
twelve months of the completion of the planned offering, there is no assurance  
that the spin-off will occur within this time frame or at all. Accordingly, the 
Division has entered into a registration rights agreement with Cabot to provide 
it with registration rights relating to the shares of CMC common stock that it  
holds. These registration rights will become effective at such time that Cabot  
informs the Division that it no longer intends to proceed with or complete the  
spin-off.                                                                       

EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT                                                  

The Division and Cabot have entered into an employee matters agreement
under which the Division will, with certain exceptions, be solely responsible   
for the compensation and benefits of employees of the Division. The principal   
exception is the retirement benefits for employees of the Division. Cabot's     
tax-qualified retirement plans will retain all assets and liabilities relating  
to employees of the Division on and after the offering (subject to any          
distributions from the plans that are required or permitted by the plans and    
applicable law). The employee matters agreement also provides that equity awards
granted to employees of the Division under Cabot's equity incentive plans may be
converted into equity awards of CMC upon agreement between Cabot and the        
Division.                                                                       

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

OPTION GRANTS TO CABOT EMPLOYEES                                            

     The Division has adopted the Cabot Microelectronics Corporation 2000 Equity
Incentive Plan. The Division intends to grant options under the 2000 Equity     
Incentive Plan to Cabot employees.                                              

4.  ACQUISITION OF SELECTED ASSETS:                                             

   On July 3, 1995, the Division acquired selected assets used or created in
connection with the development and sale of polishing slurries. The acquisition 
was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the     
purchase price of $9,800 was allocated to the net assets acquired based on their
estimated fair values. Identifiable intangible assets, consisting primarily of  
trade secrets and know-how, distribution rights, customer lists and workforce in
place, were valued at $4,300 and are being amortized on a straight-line basis   
over their estimated useful lives of 7-10 years. The excess of purchase price   
over the fair value of the net assets acquired (goodwill) was approximately     
$2,800, and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years.         
Accumulated amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets as of September
30, 1998 and 1999 was $2,332 and $3,052, respectively. In addition to the       
purchase price, the Division also pays a royalty fee in the amount of 2.5% of   
total slurry revenue through June 30, 2002. Royalty fees are paid on a monthly  
basis and are included in cost of goods sold.                                   

5.  INVENTORIES:                                                                

Inventories consisted of the following:                               

                                                                [Download Table]

                                              SEPTEMBER 30,      DECEMBER 31,
                                             ----------------    ------------
                                              1998      1999         1999    
                                              ----      ----         ----    
                                                                 (UNAUDITED) 
                                                                             
Raw materials..............................  $3,466    $3,297       $5,065   
Work in process............................      91        73           29   
Finished goods.............................   2,356     1,899        3,523   
                                             ------    ------       ------   
          Total............................  $5,913    $5,269       $8,617   
                                             ======    ======       ======   

6.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:                                              

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:             

                                                                [Download Table]

                                             SEPTEMBER 30,       DECEMBER 31,
                                           ------------------    ------------
                                            1998       1999          1999    
                                            ----       ----          ----    
                                                                 (UNAUDITED) 
                                                                             
Land.....................................  $ 1,889    $ 4,168      $ 5,026   
Buildings................................    9,539     21,448       22,196   
Machinery and equipment..................   10,066     15,350       16,330   
Furniture and fixtures...................      271        939        1,471   
Information systems......................       53        374          324   
Construction in progress.................    6,285      2,778        6,868   
                                           -------    -------      -------   
Total property, plant and equipment......   28,103     45,057       52,215   
Less: accumulated depreciation...........   (3,390)    (5,026)      (5,815)  
                                           -------    -------      -------   
Net property, plant and equipment........  $24,713    $40,031      $46,400   
                                           =======    =======      =======   

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

     Depreciation expense was $1,191, $1,488 and $2,057 during fiscal 1997, 1998
and 1999, and $405 and $752 for the three months ended December 31, 1998 and    
1999, respectively.                                                             

7.  ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES:                             

    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                            SEPTEMBER 30,  
                                                           ----------------
                                                            1998      1999 
                                                            ----      ---- 
                                                                           
Raw material accruals....................................  $1,043    $1,265
Accrued compensation.....................................   1,177     1,568
Warranty accrual.........................................     348       891
Fixed asset accruals.....................................     280       712
Other....................................................   1,108     2,344
                                                           ------    ------
          Total..........................................  $3,956    $6,780
                                                           ======    ======

8.  DEFERRED COMPENSATION:                                                      

     Under the Cabot Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, certain officers and
employees of the Division elected to defer certain percentages of their         
compensation to future periods. Amounts deferred as of September 30, 1998, 1999 
and December 31, 1999 were $233, $422 and $528, respectively.                   

9.  JOINT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT:                                                

     In September 1998, the Division entered into a three-year joint development
agreement with a customer in the semiconductor industry. Under the agreement,   
the Division provides the customer with CMP slurries of up to $3,000 over a     
three-year period in exchange for the use of CMP equipment provided by the      
customer. The arrangement was accounted for as a nonmonetary transaction in     
accordance with APB No. 29 "Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions." The CMP   
equipment was accounted for as an operating lease in accordance with SFAS No.   
13, "Accounting for Leases." The cost of leasing the CMP equipment was valued   
based upon the slurries that the customer is entitled to receive over the       
three-year period. Total revenue and lease expense recognized under this        
agreement were $776 and $1,000, respectively, for the year ended September 30,  
1999. Deferred revenue of $224 was recorded as of September 30, 1999.           

10.  PENSION PLANS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS:                                 

The Division participates in Cabot's noncontributory defined benefit  
pension plans which cover substantially all Cabot employees. Those Cabot        
employees who accept employment with CMC will terminate employment with Cabot   
but will maintain their vested and unvested rights in the pension plans. Pension
benefits accrue under several benefit plans including the Cash Balance Plan     
("CBP"), a defined benefit pension plan, and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan  
("ESOP"). Cabot's funding policy is to contribute annual amounts based on       
actuarial and economic assumptions designed to achieve adequate funding of      
projected benefit obligations. The net periodic pension cost allocated to the   
Division on behalf of its employees was $26, $96 and $61 during fiscal 1997,    
1998 and 1999, respectively. In November 1988, the ESOP was                     

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

funded with Cabot's newly issued Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, which was
acquired with $75,000 borrowed by the ESOP. Benefits provided under Cabot's     
defined benefit pension plans are primarily based on years of service and the   
employee's compensation. ESOP costs incurred on behalf of employees of the      
Division were $75, $90, and $99 during fiscal 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.

   The Division participates in Cabot's defined benefit postretirement plans
that provide certain healthcare and life insurance benefits to retired          
employees. Substantially all of Cabot's U.S. employees become eligible for these
benefits if they have met certain age and service requirements at retirement.   
Cabot funds the plans as claims or insurance premiums are incurred.             
Postretirement benefit expense is recognized as services are rendered by the    
employees. Postretirement benefit costs incurred on behalf of employees of the  
Division were $80, $81, and $99 during fiscal 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.

11.  SAVINGS PLAN AND OTHER INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS:                       

Cabot sponsors a profit sharing and savings plan called the Cabot     
Retirement Incentive Savings Plan ("CRISP"). Substantially all of the Division's
domestic employees are eligible to participate in the plan under which Cabot    
will make matching contributions of at least 75% of a participant's contribution
up to 7.5% of the participant's eligible compensation, subject to limitations   
required by government laws or regulations. Contributions to the CRISP on behalf
of employees of the Division were $199, $258, and $385 during fiscal 1997, 1998 
and 1999, respectively.                                                         

12.  EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS AND EMPLOYEE LOANS RECEIVABLE:                      

Cabot sponsors an Equity Incentive Plan for key employees under which 
participants may be granted various types of stock-based awards. Awards under   
the 1996 plan made as part of Cabot's Long-Term Incentive Program, which        
constitutes a significant portion of the awards made under this plan, consist of
restricted stock and non-qualified stock options. Restricted stock could be     
purchased at a price equal to 40% of the fair market value on the date of the   
award or nonqualified stock options exercisable at the fair market value of     
Cabot's common stock on the date of the award. Variations of the restricted     
stock awards were made to international employees in order to try to provide    
results comparable to U.S. employees. The awards generally vest on the third    
anniversary of the grant for employees then employed by Cabot, and the options  
generally expire five years from the date of grant. In November 1998, Cabot     
Board of Directors adopted the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan. The 1999 plan was    
approved by the stockholders of Cabot in March 1999. This plan is similar to the
1996 Equity Incentive Plan with the exception of the purchase price, which was  
established at a price equal to 30% of the fair market value on the date of the 
award. A limited number of awards are also available for no consideration under 
both the 1996 plan and the 1999 plan in lieu of cash compensation.              

     Certain Cabot employees who will become employees of the Division have been
granted nonqualified stock options and restricted stock under these plans. Stock
options have been granted at the fair market value of Cabot's common stock on   
the date of grant, vest ratably over four years, and generally expire ten years 
from the date of grant. Restricted stock awards generally enable an employee to 
purchase restricted stock at a price equal to 30% or 40% of the fair market     
value on the date of the award and such awards generally vest on the third      
anniversary date of the award. Compensation expense, equal to the discount on   
the restricted                                                                  

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

stock, is considered unearned and is deferred and recorded as a charge to income
over the vesting period. Unearned compensation is recorded as a component of    
Division equity.                                                                

   In May 1999, Cabot adopted a stock purchase assistance plan whereby Cabot
may extend credit to its employees to purchase restricted shares of Cabot       
Corporation common stock awarded under Cabot's 1999 Equity Incentive Plan. Prior
to this date, loans were made available to employees by a third party financial 
institution. On June 30, 1999, Cabot purchased, from the third party financial  
institution, all such full recourse loans to Cabot employees outstanding as of  
that date. As of September 30, 1999, notes receivable from employees of the     
Division totaled approximately $1,383. These notes receivable are not included  
in the historical financial statements of the Division. Upon the closing of the 
planned initial public offering, any such notes receivables related to          
restricted stock held by employees of the Division will remain with Cabot.      

RESTRICTED STOCK                                                            

Shares of restricted stock awarded to employees of the Division are   
summarized as follows:                                                          

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                                       WEIGHTED
                                                                       AVERAGE 
                                                         RESTRICTED    EXERCISE
                                                           STOCK        PRICE  
                                                         ----------    --------
                                                                               
Outstanding at September 30, 1996......................    46,100       $ 9.67 
  Granted..............................................    31,500        19.55 
  Vested...............................................    (8,800)        6.14 
  Canceled.............................................        --           -- 
                                                          -------              
Outstanding at September 30, 1997......................    68,800        14.64 
  Granted..............................................    48,200        17.09 
  Vested...............................................   (10,000)       10.00 
  Canceled.............................................      (300)       14.13 
                                                          -------              
Outstanding at September 30, 1998......................   106,700        16.19 
  Granted..............................................    95,300        33.09 
  Vested...............................................   (30,300)        9.62 
  Canceled.............................................    (4,700)       17.70 
                                                          -------              
Outstanding at September 30, 1999......................   167,000       $26.98 
                                                          =======              

    Total compensation expense recognized by the Division for restricted stock
based awards under APB 25 amounted to $242, $449, and $900 during fiscal 1997,  
1998 and 1999, respectively.                                                    

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

STOCK OPTIONS                                                               

Cabot stock option activity related to employees of the Division is   
summarized as follows:                                                          

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                                     WEIGHTED
                                                                     AVERAGE 
                                                           STOCK     EXERCISE
                                                          OPTIONS     PRICE  
                                                          -------    --------
                                                                             
Balance at September 30, 1996...........................  13,072      $ 9.13 
  Granted...............................................   1,300       23.88 
  Exercised.............................................      --          -- 
  Canceled..............................................      --          -- 
                                                          ------             
Balance at September 30, 1997...........................  14,372       10.46 
  Granted...............................................  17,615       35.31 
  Exercised.............................................  (4,000)       8.72 
  Canceled..............................................      --          -- 
                                                          ------             
Balance at September 30, 1998...........................  27,987       26.35 
  Granted...............................................  63,000       27.00 
  Exercised.............................................  (2,400)      10.47 
  Canceled..............................................  (5,850)      35.31 
                                                          ------             
Balance at September 30, 1999...........................  82,737      $26.67 
                                                          ======             

  There were no options granted at prices below the quoted market price of
common stock.                                                                   

   Additional information about outstanding options to purchase Cabot common
stock held by employees of the Division at September 30, 1999 is as follows:    

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                        OUTSTANDING                      EXERCISABLE     
                          ----------------------------------------  ---------------------
                                          WEIGHTED        WEIGHTED               WEIGHTED
                                           AVERAGE        AVERAGE                AVERAGE 
                           NUMBER        CONTRACTUAL      EXERCISE   NUMBER      EXERCISE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICE   OF SHARES    LIFE (IN YEARS)     PRICE    OF SHARES     PRICE  
-----------------------   ---------    ---------------    --------  ---------    --------
                                                                                         
$7.59-$10.47.............   6,272            .97           $ 7.75     6,272       $ 7.75 
$23.88-$35.31............  76,465           2.46            28.22       400        26.70 
                           ------                          ------     -----       ------ 
                           82,737                          $26.67     6,672       $ 8.89 
                           ======                          ======     =====       ====== 

  As permitted by SFAS 123, the Division has chosen to continue to account
for stock options in accordance with the provisions of APB 25 and, accordingly, 
no compensation expense related to stock option grants was recorded.            

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

    Pro forma information regarding net income is required by SFAS 123 and has
been determined as if the Division had accounted for stock options under the    
fair value method using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following
assumptions:                                                                    

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                        YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,   
                                                      -----------------------------
                                                       1997       1998       1999  
                                                       ----       ----       ----  
                                                                                   
Expected stock price volatility......................     26%        34%        35%
Risk free interest rate..............................   6.54%      5.63%      5.42%
Expected life of options............................. 4 years    4 years    4 years
Expected annual dividends............................   $0.40      $0.44      $0.44

  The estimated weighted average fair value of options granted by Cabot to
employees of the Division during fiscal 1997, 1998 and 1999 were $6.37, $11.00, 
and $8.24, respectively. Had the fair value based method been adopted, the      
Division's pro forma net income for fiscal 1997, 1998 and 1999 would have been  
$707, $4,218 and $12,213, respectively.                                         

13.  INCOME TAXES:                                                              

Income before income taxes was as follows:                            

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,      
                                                         -------------------------
                                                         1997     1998      1999  
                                                         ----     ----      ----  
                                                                                  
Domestic................................................ $293    $6,178    $18,655
Foreign.................................................  370       270        421
                                                         ----    ------    -------
          Total......................................... $663    $6,448    $19,076
                                                         ====    ======    =======

Taxes on income consisted of the following:                           

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,       
                                                         ------------------------- 
                                                         1997      1998      1999  
                                                         ----      ----      ----  
                                                                                   
U.S. federal and state:                                                            
  Current............................................... $(156)   $1,953    $6,522 
  Deferred..............................................   (17)     (182)     (234)
                                                         -----    ------    ------ 
Total...................................................  (173)    1,771     6,288 
                                                         -----    ------    ------ 
Foreign:                                                                           
  Current...............................................    20       401       489 
  Deferred..............................................   108        39        19 
                                                         -----    ------    ------ 
Total...................................................   128       440       508 
                                                         -----    ------    ------ 
Total U.S. and foreign.................................. $ (45)   $2,211    $6,796 
                                                         =====    ======    ====== 

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

The provision for income taxes at the Division's effective tax rate   
differed from the provision for income taxes at the statutory rate as follows:  

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,       
                                                         ------------------------- 
                                                         1997      1998      1999  
                                                         ----      ----      ----  
                                                                                   
Computed tax expense at the federal statutory rate...... $ 232    $2,257    $6,677 
U.S. benefits from research and development                                        
  activities............................................  (353)     (367)     (344)
State taxes, net of federal effect......................    10        58       508 
Impact of foreign taxation at different rates,                                     
  repatriation and other................................    62       354       155 
Foreign sales corporation...............................   (17)     (118)     (243)
Other, net..............................................    21        27        43 
                                                         -----    ------    ------ 
(Benefit) provision for income taxes.................... $ (45)   $2,211    $6,796 
                                                         =====    ======    ====== 

The Division's effective tax rate differed from the statutory tax rate
during the three months ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 primarily as a result  
of tax benefits generated as a result of research and development activities.   

Significant components of deferred income taxes were as follows:      

                                                                [Download Table]

                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,  
                                                              ----------------
                                                               1998      1999 
                                                               ----      ---- 
                                                                              
Deferred tax assets:                                                          
  Amortization..............................................  $  281    $  367
  Employee benefits.........................................     596     1,118
  Inventory.................................................     100        89
  Product warranty..........................................     122       168
  Accrued legal fees........................................      64       105
  State and local taxes.....................................      67       144
  Other.....................................................      58       133
                                                              ------    ------
          Total deferred tax assets.........................  $1,288    $2,124
                                                              ======    ======
Deferred tax liabilities:                                                     
  Depreciation and amortization.............................  $  698    $  827
  Translation adjustment....................................      90       582
                                                              ------    ------
          Total deferred tax liabilities....................  $  788    $1,409
                                                              ======    ======

14.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:                                             

LEASE COMMITMENTS                                                           

   Cabot, on behalf of the Division, leases certain transportation vehicles,
warehouse facilities, office space, machinery and equipment under cancelable and
noncancelable leases, most of which expire within ten years and may be renewed  
by the Division. Rent expense under such arrangements during fiscal 1997, 1998  
and 1999 totaled $160, $150 and $1,439, respectively.                           

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

Future minimum rental commitments under noncancelable leases as of    
September 30, 1999 are as follows:                                              

                                                                [Download Table]
                                                            
2000................................................  $1,327
2001................................................   1,092
2002................................................      69
2003................................................      26
2004................................................      11
2005 and thereafter.................................      --
                                                      ------
                                                      $2,525
                                                      ======

OTHER LONG-TERM COMMITMENTS                                                 

   The Division has a long term supply agreement with the Division's largest
customer. The agreement was designed to provide this customer with specified    
quantities of polishing slurries at agreed-upon prices. This agreement expires  
in January 2002.                                                                

The Division has an agreement with Davies Imperial Coatings, Inc.     
("Davies") pursuant to which Davies will perform certain agreed upon dispersion 
services for the Division. The Division has agreed to purchase minimum amounts  
of services per year and has also agreed to invest $150 per year in capital     
improvements or other expenditures to maintain capacity at the Davies           
dispersions facility. The initial term of this agreement expires in October     
2004, with automatic one-year renewals, and contains a 90 day cancellation      
clause executable by either party.                                              

CONTINGENCIES                                                               

In June 1998, a lawsuit was commenced by Rodel, Inc. ("Rodel") against
Cabot seeking injunctive relief and damages relating to allegations that Cabot, 
through the Division, is infringing on a United States patent that Rodel owns.  
The action is presently in discovery and a trial is scheduled to begin in       
November 2000. In April 1999, Rodel commenced a second lawsuit against Cabot    
seeking injunctive relief and damages relating to allegations that Cabot is     
infringing two other United States patents owned by an affiliate of Rodel. In   
the first lawsuit, the only product that is specifically alleged to infringe a  
Rodel patent is the Division's W2000 slurry, which is used to polish tungsten   
and which currently accounts for a significant portion of the Division's        
revenue. The second lawsuit does not allege infringement by any specific        
products; instead, it cites one of Cabot's patents (which relates to a CMP      
polishing slurry for metal surfaces including, among other things, aluminum and 
copper) as evidence of infringement by Cabot through the manufacture and sale of
unspecified products. At this stage, the Division cannot predict whether or to  
what extent Rodel will make specific infringement claims with respect to any of 
the Division's products other than the Division's W2000 slurry in these or any  
future proceedings. It is possible that Rodel will claim that many of the       
Division's products infringe its patents.                                       

    Although Cabot is the only named defendant in these lawsuits, the Division
has agreed to indemnify Cabot for any and all losses and expenses arising out of
this litigation as well as any other litigation arising out of the Division's   
business. Cabot and the Division believe that they have meritorious defenses to 
these actions and intend to vigorously defend themselves. However, it is not    
possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits. These claims, even  
if they are without merit, could be expensive and time consuming to defend and  
could adversely                                                                 

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

affect the Division's business, financial condition and results of operations.  
If Cabot or the Division were to lose these lawsuits, they may be liable for    
significant damages and legal expenses and may be enjoined from manufacturing   
slurry products. It is not possible to estimate the amount of a probable loss,  
if any, to the Division that might result from this matter. Accordingly, no     
provision has been made in the Division's combined financial statements.        

15.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA:             

 The Division has adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"), which was effective for the   
fiscal year ended September 30, 1999.                                           

The Division operates predominantly in one industry segment -- the    
development, manufacture, and sale of CMP slurries. Although the Division's     
products can be categorized into various product lines and periodic financial   
information is available by product line, management determined that the        
Division's business is considered one reportable segment in accordance with the 
aggregation criteria under SFAS 131.                                            

 The Division does not classify export sales as foreign sales. Financial
information by geographic area was as follows:                                  

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,        
                                                             -----------------------------
                                                              1997       1998       1999  
                                                              ----       ----       ----  
                                                                                          
Revenue:                                                                                  
  United States............................................. $33,650    $55,600    $89,666
  Europe....................................................   1,561      3,231      4,789
  Asia......................................................       0          0      4,235
                                                             -------    -------    -------
Total....................................................... $35,211    $58,831    $98,690
                                                             =======    =======    =======
Property, plant and equipment, net:                                                       
  United States............................................. $14,975    $17,376    $25,324
  Europe....................................................   2,220      2,461      3,139
  Asia......................................................       0      4,876     11,568
                                                             -------    -------    -------
Total....................................................... $17,195    $24,713    $40,031
                                                             =======    =======    =======

16.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:                                                         

 In December 1999, CMC obtained a letter of commitment from a bank for a
line of credit arrangement whereby CMC will be able to borrow an aggregate      
amount of up to $25,000 for working capital, general corporate purposes and     
capital expenditures. The term of the credit arrangement is three years. CMC    
will be required to pay a fee on the $25,000 commitment amount until the loan   
agreement is signed and will be required to pay a fee on unused portion of the  
commitment amount after the loan agreement is signed. The line of credit is     
subject to the consummation of the initial public offering of CMC's common stock
and certain limits for the aggregate indebtedness of CMC at the time of closing 
of this credit arrangement. The credit facility contains certain restrictions   
including restricting CMC's ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay       
dividends, make certain acquisitions or dispositions and enter into transactions
with affiliates. In addition, CMC will be required to maintain certain financial
ratios.                                                                         

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CABOT MICROELECTRONICS MATERIALS DIVISION 

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 
(INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO NOVEMBER 5, 1999 IS UNAUDITED) 

In March 2000, CMC obtained a letter of commitment from a bank for an 
unsecured term credit facility under which the lender would make term loans to  
CMC in an aggregate amount of $17,000. The first term loan is in the amount of  
$3,500 due in March 2005. The second term loan is in the amount of $13,500 with 
quarterly repayments starting on June 30, 2000 and the remaining obligation due 
in March 2005. Interest on the outstanding principal balance is due quarterly in
arrears. This term credit facility requires CMC to maintain certain financial   
ratios. The proceeds of the loans under this credit facility are expected to be 
used to finance the expected dividend to Cabot.                                 

17.  VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS:                                         

   The following table sets forth activities in the Division's allowance for
doubtful accounts:                                                              

                                                        [Enlarge/Download Table]

                                             BALANCE AT                          BALANCE AT
                                             BEGINNING   CHARGES TO                END OF  
                                              OF YEAR     EXPENSES   DEDUCTIONS     YEAR   
            ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE              ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                           
Year ended:                                                                                
  September 30, 1997........................    $ 50        $ --        $--         $ 50   
  September 30, 1998........................      50          --         --           50   
  September 30, 1999........................      50          --         --           50   

     The Division has historically not recorded warranty claims against warranty
reserves but rather provided for them in the period in which they occurred. As  
such, charges to expenses represent the net charge required to maintain an      
appropriate reserve.                                                            

                                                                [Download Table]
                                                                  
WARRANTY RESERVES                                                 

Year ended:                                                       
  September 30, 1997........................ $ 82  $148  $--  $230
  September 30, 1998........................  230   118   --   348
  September 30, 1999........................  348   543   --   891

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UNDERWRITING

    Cabot Microelectronics, Cabot Corporation and the underwriters named below
have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the shares being    
offered. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to
purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table. Goldman, Sachs &
Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and FleetBoston         
Robertson Stephens Inc. are the representatives of the underwriters.            

                                                                [Download Table]

                        UNDERWRITERS                          NUMBER OF SHARES
                        ------------                          ----------------
                                                                              
Goldman, Sachs & Co. .......................................     2,028,000    
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith                                         
             Incorporated...................................       676,000    
FleetBoston Robertson Stephens Inc..........................       676,000    
Banc of America Securities LLC..............................       110,000    
First Union Securities, Inc. ...............................       110,000    
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. ..................................       110,000    
CIBC World Markets Corp. ...................................       110,000    
Advest, Inc. ...............................................        60,000    
Doley Securities, Inc. .....................................        60,000    
Needham & Company, Inc. ....................................        60,000    
                                                                 ---------    
          Total.............................................     4,000,000    
                                                                 =========    

------------------------

     If the underwriters sell more shares than the total number set forth in the
table above, the underwriters have an option to buy up to an additional 600,000 
shares from us to cover such sales. They may exercise that option for 30 days.  
If any shares are purchased pursuant to this option, the underwriters will      
severally purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as set forth in  
the table above.                                                                

  The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts
and commissions to be paid to the underwriters by us. Such amounts are shown    
assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to      
purchase additional shares.                                                     

                                                                [Download Table]

                                 PAID BY          
                         CABOT MICROELECTRONICS   
                       ---------------------------
                       NO EXERCISE   FULL EXERCISE
                       -----------   -------------
                                                  
Per Share............  $     1.40     $     1.40  
Total................  $5,600,000     $6,440,000  

    Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at
the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this           
prospectus. Any shares sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be    
sold at a discount of up to $0.84 per share from the initial public offering    
price. Any such securities dealers may resell any shares purchased from the     
underwriters to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount of up to $0.10   
per share from the initial public offering price. If all the shares are not sold
at the initial public offering price, the representatives may change the        
offering price and the other selling terms.                                     

 We and Cabot have agreed with the underwriters not to sell or otherwise
dispose of any of our common stock or securities convertible into or            
exchangeable for shares of our common stock during the period from the date of  
this prospectus continuing through the date 180 days after the date of this     
prospectus, except with the prior written consent of the representatives. This  
agreement does not apply to any existing employee benefit plans. See "Shares    
Eligible for Future Sale" for a discussion of transfer restrictions.            

 At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial
public offering price, up to 230,000 shares offered by this prospectus to be    
sold to employees and friends of ours. The number of shares of common stock     
available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent these    
persons purchase the reserved shares. Any                                       

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reserved shares which are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters  
to the general public on the same basis as the other shares of common stock     
offered by this prospectus.                                                     

     Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the shares. The
initial public offering price has been negotiated among us and the              
representatives. The factors considered in determining the initial public       
offering price of the shares, in addition to prevailing market conditions, were 
our historical performance, estimates of the business potential and earnings    
prospects of our company, an assessment of our management and the consideration 
of the above factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related    
businesses.                                                                     

   Our common stock has been approved for listing on Nasdaq under the symbol
"CCMP".                                                                         

  In connection with this offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell
shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short 
sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by     
short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater      
number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. Stabilizing
transactions consist of certain bids or purchases made for the purpose of       
preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock while 
the offering is in progress.                                                    

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a    
particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting 
discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold
by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering      
transactions.                                                                   

   These activities by the underwriters may stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the      
common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open
market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued by the      
underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected on Nasdaq, in the  
over-the-counter market or otherwise.                                           

     FleetBoston Robertson Stephens Inc., an underwriter in this offering, is an
affiliate of the lending bank under our credit facility. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, 
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, also an underwriter in this offering, is an        
affiliate of Merrill Lynch Bank & Trust, the lending bank for the loan facility 
available to all recipients of restricted stock grants.                         

  The underwriters do not expect sales to discretionary accounts to exceed
five percent of the total number of shares offered.                             

     We estimate that our share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding
underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $2.3 million.     

We and Cabot have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.            

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INSIDE BACK COVER 

[Map of our global headquarters and facilities]                       

Strategically Positioned for Success                                  

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-------------------------------------------------------                         
-------------------------------------------------------                         

No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information
or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on 
any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to 
sell only the common stock offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in  
jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this    
prospectus is current only as of its date.                                      

------------------

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

                                                                [Download Table]

                                          Page
                                          ----
                                              
Prospectus Summary......................    3 
Risk Factors............................    7 
Use of Proceeds.........................   16 
Dividend Policy.........................   16 
Capitalization..........................   17 
Dilution................................   19 
Selected Financial Data.................   20 
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements       
  of Income.............................   22 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of       
  Financial Condition and Results of          
  Operations............................   26 
Business................................   37 
Management..............................   52 
Relationships Between Our Company and         
  Cabot Corporation.....................   62 
Security Ownership of Principal               
  Stockholder and Management............   74 
Description of Capital Stock............   76 
Shares Eligible for Future Sale.........   84 
Legal Matters...........................   86 
Experts.................................   86 
Where You Can Find More Information.....   86 
Index to Combined Financial Statements..  F-1 
Underwriting............................  U-1 

------------------

   Through and including April 29, 2000 (the 25th day after the date of this
prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or 
not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus.    
This is in addition to a dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting
as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.      
-------------------------------------------------------                         
-------------------------------------------------------                         
-------------------------------------------------------                         
-------------------------------------------------------                         

4,000,000 Shares

CABOT MICROELECTRONICS

CORPORATION 

Common Stock

------------------

[Cobot MicroElectronic logo]

------------------

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

MERRILL LYNCH & CO. 

ROBERTSON STEPHENS

Representatives of the Underwriters 
-------------------------------------------------------                         
-------------------------------------------------------                         

Dates Referenced Herein   and   Documents Incorporated by Reference

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