April 4, 2006 -- Alcan Inc., the world's second-largest primary aluminum producer, reports it has sold its German automotive casting activity to AluCast GmbH, a company controlled by a private equity firm.

Alcan BDW GmbH & Co.KG in Markt-Schwaben, Germany, produce automotive aluminum diecastings, both structural and non-structural parts for the automotive industry. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

Alcan Engineered Products president and CEO Michel Jacques stated: "It has been more than a year since we began reviewing all options for BDW as its activity is no longer consistent with our current engineered products portfolio, and I am glad that we have secured a future for this activity. Parter Capital has an in-depth understanding of the automotive supply industry and is well positioned to offer Alcan BDW new opportunities."

Alcan continues to hold a majority stake in Alcan Tomos d.o.o., an automotive diecasting joint venture in Slovenia.