Cincinnati, Ohio, April 28, 2003: The ChemQuest Group, Inc. and Robert J. Koch Associates LLC are pleased to announce a joint venture of their two highly successful consulting practices.

The JV, which will operate under The ChemQuest Group name, adds the skill and experience of Robert Koch to the accomplished ChemQuest team.  Skills added include Channel Strategy and Planning, Product Line Development, Point of Purchase Merchandising, Communication Strategies and Tactics, Sales Management and Tactical Planning and Contingency Planning.  Bob brings over 35 years experience in the coatings and adhesives industries, 27 of those with The Glidden Company.  This experience includes managing Macco Adhesives and as a Sales Manager, Business Director and Vice President of Glidden's Dealer/Consumer and Paint Stores Divisions.  Bob's last assignment with The Glidden Company was as ICI Paints, North American, Executive Vice President of the Decorative Paints Division.  He is a past recipient of the NPCA's George Baugh Heckel and Industry Achievement Awards.  Through his associates, Bob also brings expertise in Financial and Accounting Services, Business Systems, Research and Development, Advertising Services and Packaging, Collateral and POS Merchandising.

The companies will share their strengths in support of the coatings, adhesives and sealants industries in offering a total package of services unmatched by other consulting firms.  This offering bridges the gap from ideation, to strategy development and tactical implementation.

"This relationship makes both organizations synergistically whole and allows expansion of channel services to both the coatings and adhesives industries," said Dan Murad, President of The ChemQuest Group.  "Koch Associates' downstream channel expertise is perfectly complimentary to ChemQuest's upstream knowledge of raw materials and formulators.  This adds value in light of the converging similarities in channel trends that exist between the coatings and adhesives markets."

"The JV Partnership will assist ChemQuest customers through the process of moving business strategies from the boardroom to the marketplace.  This relationship is unique and will help ensure the client's investment in the consultative strategic process by aiding in its implementation," stated Bob Koch of Robert J. Koch Associates LLC.

Robert J. Koch Associates' mission is to help clients succeed through development and implementation of strategic marketing directions.  Koch offers a complete understanding of the coatings and adhesives markets, from suppliers to contractors, retailers, consumers and end users.

The ChemQuest Group, Inc. is an international strategic management consulting firm specializing in the Coatings, Adhesives & Sealants, and Automotive Industries. With headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, ChemQuest has offices located throughout North America and Europe.