Koninklijke DSM N.V. (DSM) is engaged in creating products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences. DSM’s products and services are used in a range of markets and applications. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection, and housing. The activities of DSM are grouped into five clusters: Nutrition, Pharma, Performance Materials, Polymer Intermediates, and Base Chemicals and Materials. On July11, 2008, DSM announced the acquisition of Valley Research, Inc. On August 20, 2008, DSM Engineering Plastics acquired the polymerization assets of Diolen Industrial Fibers B.V., including the facilities for polyester polymer production in Emmen (Netherlands). On December 2, 2008, DSM announced the sale of its Solutech business to Lydall, Inc., a specialty engineering products manufacturer.