Exhibit 10.4

 

March 4, 2005

 

Paul F. Rocheleau

9700 Cragmont Drive

Richmond, Virginia 23233

 

Dear Paul:

 

On May 8, 2002, Albemarle Corporation provided you a letter agreement outlining
the terms of your employment with the Company. Item 8 of that letter outlines
the agreement regarding a Change of Control. Upon further review and discussion
with the Executive Compensation Committee, the Company would like to amend and
replace the first sentence of Item 8 as follows:

 

“In the event a Change of Control were to occur and one or more of the following
events happen with respect to your employment within a period of 24 months
thereafter, you may resign and receive a lump sum payment and other benefits as
described below.”

 

This amendment is effective as of March 4, 2005. By signing below, you
acknowledge your acceptance of this amendment.

 

Sincerely,

 

/s/ Jack P. Harsh

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jack P. Harsh

Vice President, Human Resources

/s/ Paul F. Rocheleau

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paul F. Rocheleau