ASBESTOS LITIGATION: Hercules Still Faces 27T Claims at March 31

Ashland Inc.’s subsidiary, Hercules Incorporated, faced 27,000 open asbestos claims, during the six months ended March 31, 2009, the same as for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2009.

Hercules faced 27,000 claims as of Nov. 13, 2008.

Hercules has liabilities from…