COLUMBIA, Md., Mar 29, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE:GRA) has received the International Business Leadership Award from the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI). The award is presented annually to recognize Maryland companies and executives that have achieved global business accomplishments. Grace President & CEO Fred Festa will accept the award on March 29 at a dinner attended by more than 400 people.

Grace is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland and operates a research facility, technical service center and manufacturing plant that employ more than 1,000 people throughout the state. The company has been a member of the Maryland business community for more than a century. In 2006, Grace's sales topped $2.8 billion with international markets accounting for over 60% of revenues, up from approximately 40% in 2003.

"I am pleased to accept the award on Grace's behalf," remarked Festa. "In the past year, we have opened offices and labs in the United States, China, Russia, India and Poland. This growth is only possible with a significant amount of teamwork and strong leadership in all regions."

The WTCI is a non-profit organization that was established in 1989 in Baltimore, Maryland. More than 2,500 Maryland firms benefit from WTCI's global network and international business programs. WTCI is a member of the World Trade Center Association, along with nearly 300 fellow World Trade Centers operating in major business cities around the world.

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction; and sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging. With annual sales of more than $2.8 billion, Grace has about 6,500 employees and operations in over 40 countries. For more information, visit Grace's web site at www.grace.com.

SOURCE: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations:
Greg Euston, +1 404-870-6809
greg.euston@mslpr.com
or
Investor Relations:
Bridget Sarikas, +1 410-531-4194
bridget.sarikas@grace.com