The Dow Chemical Company has commenced its exchange offer for the split-off of a significant portion of its chlorine value chain. The split-off transaction is the next step in the separation, from Dow, of its U.S. Gulf Coast Chlor-Alkali and Vinyl, Global Chlorinated Organics and Global Epoxy businesses. The exchange offer provides Dow shareholders with the opportunity to exchange their shares of Dow common stock for shares of Blue Cube Spinco Inc. (“Splitco”) common stock, which will convert into shares of Olin common stock upon completion of the proposed transaction. The exchange is expected to be tax-free to participating Dow shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

“This landmark transaction is the latest in a series of milestones we have achieved that enables Dow to significantly exceed our collective divestiture targets, and enables Olin to create a premier chlor-alkali and derivatives company with the scope and capabilities to leverage long-term growth opportunities and generate significant shareholder value,” said Andrew N. Liveris, Dow’s chairman and chief executive officer. "This exchange offer is designed to maximize total shareholder return through the ability to own shares in the combined company, which is expected to benefit from substantial synergies and create significant benefits for customers."