Bhavesh V. Patel employment agreement




 Exhibit 10.5 

Execution Version 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of March 19, 2010, is entered into by and among Lyondell Chemical
Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), LyondellBasell AFGP, a societe a responsabilite limitee formed under the laws of Luxembourg (“SARL”), and Bhavesh V. Patel (the “Executive”). 

W I T N E S S E T H: 

WHEREAS, the Company is a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding (the “Bankruptcy Proceeding”) pending in the United States
Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York in which the Company is seeking to confirm a plan of reorganization (the “Plan of Reorganization”); 

WHEREAS, LyondellBasell Industries AF S.C.A., a société en commandite par actions (the “Parent Company”) is the
indirect parent of the Company and also a debtor in the Bankruptcy Proceeding; 
 WHEREAS, SARL is the Manager of the Parent
Company; and 
 WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive and Executive desires to accept such employment. 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, it is hereby agreed as follows: 

1. Employment. The Company agrees to employ Executive, and Executive agrees to be employed by the Company, subject to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement. The Executive’s employment by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall commence on April 5, 2010 (or such earlier date agreed to by the parties hereto) (the “Effective Date”). Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, Executive shall be an at-will employee of the Company, which means either the Company or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment with the Company at any time for any reason, with or without Cause (as
defined below). 
 2. Position, Duties and Location. While employed by the Company, 

(a) Position and Duties. Executive shall serve as Senior Vice President, Olefins & Polyolefins - Americas of SARL, in its
capacity as Manager of the Parent Company, and the Company, with the duties and responsibilities customarily assigned to such positions (including, without limitation, responsibility for the oversight and management of the supply and marketing of
olefins, polyolefins and their co-products and derivatives for SARL and the Company) and such other customary duties as may reasonably be assigned to Executive from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of SARL and the Company (the “Chief
Executive Officer”), consistent with such positions. Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Executive shall be a member of the most senior management teams of SARL and the Company. 








 (b) Attention and Time. Executive shall devote substantially all his business
attention and time to his duties hereunder and shall use his reasonable best efforts to carry out such duties faithfully and efficiently. 

(c) Location. Executive’s principal place of employment shall be located in Houston, Texas; provided that Executive shall
travel and shall render services at other locations, both as may reasonably be required by his duties hereunder. 
 3.
Compensation. 
 (a) Signing Bonus. Executive shall receive $500,000 within five (5) business days of the
Effective Date (the “Signing Bonus”). In addition, upon demonstration to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company within sixty (60) days of the Effective Date of forfeiture of specific amounts in connection with
termination of his employment with his previous employer, Executive shall receive an amount not to exceed $160,000 within five (5) business days of approval of such amount by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “Additional
Signing Bonus”). If Executive voluntarily terminates his employment without Good Reason (as defined below) prior to the first year anniversary of the Effective Date, Executive shall be obligated to repay to the Company the Signing Bonus and the
Additional Signing Bonus and the Company may offset the repayment of any Accrued Amounts (as defined below) against such repayment obligation. 

(b) Base Salary. While employed by the Company, Executive shall receive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) at an annual
rate of not less than $430,000. Base Salary shall be paid at such times and in such manner as the Company customarily pays the base salaries of its employees. In the event that Executive’s Base Salary is increased by the Board (as defined
below) in its discretion, such increased amount shall thereafter constitute the Base Salary. 
 (c) Annual Bonus. For
each full calendar year Executive is employed by the Company, Executive shall be paid an annual cash bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) based on the attainment of performance targets established by the Board. The Annual Bonus shall be targeted at
not less than 75% of Base Salary (as in effect at the beginning of each such year). The actual amount of the Annual Bonus (if any) for any year shall depend on the level of achievement of the applicable performance criteria established with respect
to such bonus by the Board in its discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the year ending December 31, 2010, the Annual Bonus shall be targeted at 75% of the Base Salary earned from the Effective Date to such year end, provided that
Executive remains employed by the Company through such date. The Annual Bonus shall be payable at such time as bonuses are paid to other senior executive officers of the Company and the payment terms shall comply with or be exempt from the
requirements of Section 409A. 
  

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 (d) Incentive Awards. For each full calendar year Executive remains employed by the
Company, Executive shall be eligible to receive a long-term incentive award in the form of an equity award with respect to the Parent Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”), which award may consist of restricted stock, restricted
stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights or other types of equity-based awards consistent with the Company’s long-term incentive program as in effect from time to time (the “LTI Plan), or any combination thereof, as determined
by the Board in its discretion, promptly following the Company’s emergence from the Bankruptcy Proceeding (“Emergence”), consistent with the Company’s LTI Plan (the “LTI Award”) and/or a mid-term incentive award with a
targeted total collective value of not less than 130% of the aggregate amount of Base Salary earned by Executive during such calendar year, as determined by the Board in its discretion. The terms and conditions of the LTI Awards (including, without
limitation, the form of awards, the purchase price (if any), vesting conditions, exercise rights, payment terms, termination provisions, transfer restrictions and repurchase rights) shall be determined in a manner consistent with the LTI Plan. The
terms of the mid-term incentive awards shall be determined consistent with the Company’s mid-term incentive program as in effect from time to time (the “MTI Plan”). The payment terms under the MTI Plan and LTI Plan shall comply with
or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A. 
 (e) Service Crediting for Years of Industry Experience.
Executive shall be credited with 20 years of additional service for purposes of determining retirement eligibility under the terms of the Annual Bonus, MTI, LTI or other similar equity or incentive award programs of the Company. Furthermore, upon
expiration of the provisions of Section 4(a) of this Agreement, Executive shall be credited with 20 years of additional service for purposes of calculating severance amounts that are determined by years of service with a related company under
the terms of the Company’s broad based severance plan. 
 (f) Employee Benefits. While employed by the Company, the
Company shall provide, and Executive shall be entitled to participate in or receive benefits under any pension plan, profit sharing plan, stock option plan, life insurance, stock purchase plan or arrangement, health, disability and accident plan or
any other employee benefit plan or arrangement made available now or in the future to senior executives of the Company; provided that Executive complies with the conditions attendant with coverage under such plans or arrangements. Except as
expressly provided in this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 3(d) hereof), nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the Company from modifying or terminating any plan or arrangement in existence on the date hereof,
provided that no such modification or termination adversely affects any award or other entitlement previously granted to Executive. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive shall be entitled to no less than five (5) weeks of
paid vacation per calendar year (pro-rated for the portion of the 2010 calendar year Executive is employed by the Company). 

(g) Business Expenses. While employed by the Company, the Company shall promptly pay or, if such expenses are paid directly by
Executive, Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement, for all reasonable expenses that Executive incurs during his employment with the Company in carrying out Executive’s duties under this Agreement, including, without
limitation, those incurred in connection with business related travel or entertainment, upon presentation of expense statements and customary supporting documentation. 
  


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 4. Termination of Employment. 

(a) Termination of Employment Without Cause or for Good Reason. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment without
Cause and Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason, in each case upon thirty (30) days prior written notice. In the event that, within seven (7) years of the Effective Date, the Company terminates Executive’s employment
without Cause (other than due to Executive’s disability) or Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to the following in lieu of any payments or benefits under any severance program or policy of the
Company: 
 (i) any Accrued Amounts; 

(ii) subject to Executive’s execution of a general release of claims in favor of the Company, SARL and their
Affiliates and their respective current and former officers and directors in form and substance acceptable to the Company not more than twenty (20) days after the date of termination, a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to
(A) Executive’s then current annual Base Salary, plus (B) an amount equal to Executive’s target Annual Bonus for the year of termination, plus (C) an amount equal to the cost of 12 months of continuation coverage premiums
for medical coverage for Executive and his family under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) at standard COBRA rates, payable within thirty (30) days of termination. 

(b) Other Termination Events. In the event that (i) the Company terminates Executive’s employment for Cause,
(ii) Executive terminates his employment without Good Reason or (iii) Executive’s employment terminates due to his death or disability or for any other reason not covered by Section 4(a) above, Executive (or, in the case of
Executive’s death, Executive’s estate and/or beneficiaries) shall be entitled to any Accrued Amounts, but shall have no further right or entitlement under this Agreement to any other payments or benefits. 

(c) Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply: 

(i) “Accrued Amounts” shall mean (A) unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination; (B) any
earned but unpaid bonus for the prior fiscal year; (C) any expenses owed to Executive and (D) any benefits payable or provided in accordance with the terms of any employee benefit plan (including the MTI Plan and the LTI Plan, but
specifically excluding any plan or program providing severance or termination pay) in which Executive participates. 

(ii) “Affiliate” of a person or other entity shall mean: a person or other entity that directly or indirectly
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the person or other entity specified. 
 (iii)
“Board” shall mean, while the Bankruptcy Proceeding is pending, the supervisory board of the Parent Company, and, once the Company has emerged from bankruptcy, the Board of Directors of the Parent Company or of SARL, whichever is the most
senior ranking board responsible for the overall management of the Company, the Parent Company and SARL (or a duly authorized committee thereof). 
  

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 (iv) “Cause” shall mean: (A) Executive’s continuing
failure (except where due to physical or mental incapacity) to substantially perform his duties hereunder; (B) Executive’s willful malfeasance or gross neglect in the performance of his duties; (C) Executive’s conviction of, or
plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; (D) the commission by Executive of an act of fraud or embezzlement against the Company or any Affiliate; or (E) Executive’s willful
breach of any material provision of this Agreement (as determined in good faith by the Board) which is not remedied within fifteen (15) after written notice is received from the Company specifying such breach. 

(v) “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence, without Executive’s express written consent, of: (A) an
adverse change in Executive’s employment’s title or change in Executive’s duty to report directly to the Chief Executive Officer; (B) a material diminution in Executive’s employment duties, responsibilities or authority, or
the assignment to Executive of duties that are materially inconsistent with his position; (C) any material reduction in Base Salary, or Annual Bonus target as set forth in Section 3(c); or (D) any willful breach by the Company of any
material provision of this Agreement (including but not limited to any breach of its obligations under Section 3 hereof) which is not cured within fifteen (15) days after written notice is received from Executive specifying such breach.

 (vi) “Subsidiary” of the Parent Company shall mean: any corporation of which the Company owns,
directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent of the voting stock. 
 5. Confidentiality of Trade Secrets and Business
Information. Executive agrees that Executive shall not, at any time during Executive’s employment with the Company or thereafter, disclose or use any trade secret, proprietary or confidential information of the Company or any Subsidiary of
the Parent Company (collectively, “Confidential Information”), obtained by him during the course of such employment, except for (i) disclosures and uses required in the course of such employment or with the written permission of the
Company, (ii) disclosures with respect to any litigation, arbitration or mediation involving this Agreement, including but not limited to, the enforcement of Executive’s rights under this Agreement, or (iii) as may be required by law
or by any court, arbitrator, mediator or administrative or legislative body (including any committee thereof) with apparent jurisdiction to order such disclosure; provided that, if, in any circumstance described in clause (iii), Executive receives
notice that any third party shall seek to compel him by process of law to disclose any Confidential Information, Executive shall promptly notify the Company and provide reasonable cooperation to the Company (at the Company’s sole expense) in
seeking a protective order against such disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Confidential Information” shall not include information that is or becomes publicly known outside the Parent Company or the Company or any of their
subsidiaries other than due to a breach of Executive’s obligations under this paragraph. 
 6. Return of
Information. Executive agrees that at the time of any termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, whether at the instance of Executive or the Company, and regardless of the reasons therefore, Executive shall deliver to the
Company (at the Company’s expense), any and all notes, files, memoranda, papers and, in general, any and 
  

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all physical (including electronic) matter containing Confidential Information (other than as he properly is retaining in connection with an action or other proceeding as noted in clause
(ii) or (iii) of Section 5) which are in Executive’s possession, except as otherwise consented in writing by the Company at the time of such termination. The foregoing shall not prevent Executive from retaining copies of personal
diaries, personal notes, personal address books, personal calendars, and any other personal information (including, without limitation, information relating to Executive’s compensation), but only to the extent such copies do not contain any
Confidential Information other than that which relates directly to Executive, including his compensation. 
 7.
Noninterference. In consideration for the compensation payable to Executive under this Agreement, Executive agrees that Executive shall not, during Executive’s employment with the Company (other than in carrying out his duties hereunder)
and for a period of one (1) year after any termination of employment: (i) directly or indirectly recruit, solicit or induce, any employee, consultant or independent contractor of the Parent Company or any Subsidiary, to terminate, alter or
modify such person’s employment or other relationship with the Parent Company or any Subsidiary, or (ii) directly or indirectly solicit any then current customer or business partner of the Parent Company or any Subsidiary to terminate,
alter or modify its relationship with the Parent Company or the Subsidiary or to interfere with the Parent Company’s or any Subsidiary’s relationships with any of its customers or business partners on behalf of any enterprise that is a
competitor with the Parent Company or a Subsidiary. 
 8. Enforcement. Executive acknowledges and agrees that:
(i) the purpose of the covenants set forth in Sections 5 through 7 above (the “Restrictive Covenants”) is to protect the goodwill, trade secrets and other confidential information of the Parent Company and its Subsidiaries;
(ii) because of the nature of the business in which the Parent Company is engaged and because of the nature of the Confidential Information to which Executive has access, it would be impractical and excessively difficult to determine the actual
damages of the Parent Company in the event Executive breached any such covenants; and (iii) remedies at law (such as monetary damages) for any breach of Executive’s obligations under the Restrictive Covenants would be inadequate. Executive
therefore agrees and consents that if Executive commits any breach of a Restrictive Covenant, the Company shall have the right (in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other right or remedy that may be available to it) to temporary and permanent
injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction, without posting any bond or other security and without the necessity of proof of actual damage. If any portion of the Restrictive Covenants is hereafter determined to be invalid or
unenforceable in any respect, such determination shall not affect the remainder thereof, which shall be given the maximum effect possible and shall be fully enforced, without regard to the invalid portions. In particular, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, if the covenants set forth in Section 7 are found by a court or an arbitrator to be unreasonable, Executive and the Company agree that the maximum period, scope or geographical area that is found to be reasonable
shall be substituted for the stated period, scope or area, and that the court or arbitrator shall revise the restrictions contained herein to cover the maximum period, scope and area permitted by law. If any of the Restrictive Covenants are
determined to be wholly or partially unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such determination shall not be a bar to or in any way diminish the Company’s right to enforce any such covenant in any other jurisdiction. 

 

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 9. Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify Executive against any and all losses,
liabilities, damages, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement incurred by Executive in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative), including any action by or in the right of the Company, by reason of any act or omission to act in connection with the performance of his duties hereunder or otherwise arising out of his employment by the Company, on term and
conditions no less favorable to Executive than any other officer or director of the Company, to the extent permitted by applicable law. 

10. Arbitration. In the event that any dispute arises between the Company and Executive regarding or relating to this Agreement
and/or any aspect of Executive’s employment relationship with the Company, the parties consent to resolve such dispute through mandatory arbitration in Houston, Texas (or such other location as shall be mutually agreed between the parties)
administered by JAMS pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules & Procedures and subject to JAMS Policy on Employment Arbitration Minimum Standards of Procedural Fairness. The parties hereby consent to the entry of judgment upon award
rendered by the arbitrator in any court of competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, should adequate grounds exist for seeking immediate injunctive or immediate equitable relief, any party may seek and obtain such relief. The
parties hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and Federal courts of or in the State of Texas for purposes of seeking such injunctive or equitable relief as set forth above. 

11. Executive and Company Representations. 

(a) Executive acknowledges that before signing this Agreement, Executive was given the opportunity to read it, evaluate it and discuss it
with Executive’s personal advisors. Executive further acknowledges that the Company has not provided Executive with any legal advice regarding this Agreement. 

(b) Executive represents and warrants to the Company that the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the fulfillment of the terms
hereof (i) shall not constitute a default under, or conflict with, any agreement or other instrument to which he is a party or by which he is bound and (ii) as to his execution and delivery of this Agreement do not require the consent of
any other person. 
 (c) The Company represents and warrants to Executive that (i) the execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement by the Company and by SARL has been fully and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, (ii) the persons signing this Agreement on behalf of the Company and SARL are duly authorized to do so, (iii) the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement does not violate any applicable law, regulation, order, judgment or decree or any agreement, plan or corporate governance document to which the Company, the Parent Company or SARL is a party or
by which it is bound and (iv) upon execution and delivery of this Agreement by the parties, it shall be a valid and binding obligation of the Company and SARL enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that
enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally. 
  

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 12. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered (i) personally, (ii) by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid with return receipt requested, (iii) by facsimile with evidence of completed transmission, or
(iv) delivered by overnight courier to the party concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently give such notice of: 

If to the Company and/or SARL: 

LyondellBasell AFGP 

Groot Handelsgebouw 

Weena 737 
 3013
AM Rotterdam 
 The Netherlands 

Fax: +31.107137929 

Attention: James L. Gallogly, President and Chief Executive Officer 

Lyondell Chemical Company 

One Houston Center, Suite 700 

1221 McKinney Street 

Houston, Texas 77010 

Fax: (713) 652 7312 

Attention: James L. Gallogly, President and Chief Executive Officer 

If to Executive: 

Bhavesh V. Patel 

75 South Player Crest Circle 

The Woodlands, Texas 77382 

13. Assignment and Successors. This Agreement is personal in its nature and none of the parties hereto shall, without the consent
of the others, assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder; provided, however, that in the event of a merger, consolidation, or transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent Company with or to
any other individual(s) or entity, this Agreement shall, subject to the provisions hereof, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such successor and such successor shall discharge and perform all the promises, covenants, duties, and obligations
of the Parent Company hereunder, and such transferee or successor shall be required to assume such 
  

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obligations by contract (unless such assumption occurs by operation of law). Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, Executive shall be entitled to select (and change, to the extent
permitted under any applicable law) a beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive any compensation or benefit payable hereunder following Executive’s death or judicially determined incompetence by giving the Company written notice thereof. In the
event of Executive’s death or a judicial determination of his incompetence, reference in this Agreement to Executive shall be deemed, where appropriate, to refer to his beneficiary, estate or other legal representative. 

14. Governing Law; Amendment. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas,
without reference to principles of conflict of laws. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by Executive, SARL and the Company or their respective successors and legal representatives. 

15. Severabilitv. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable in part, the remaining portion of such provision, together with all other provisions of this Agreement, shall remain
valid and enforceable and continue in full force and effect to the fullest extent consistent with law. 
 16. Tax
Withholding. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may withhold from amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, local and foreign taxes that are required to be withheld by applicable laws or
regulations. 
 17. No Waiver. Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any
provision of, or to assert any right under, this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or of any other provision of or right under this Agreement. Any provision of this Agreement may be waived by the parties hereto;
provided that any waiver by any person of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective only if in writing and signed by each party and such waiver must specifically refer to this Agreement and to the terms or provisions being modified or
waived. 
 18. Section 409A. This Agreement is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A with
respect to amounts, if any, subject thereto and shall be interpreted and construed and shall be performed by the parties consistent with such intent. To the extent Executive would otherwise be entitled to any payment under this Agreement, or any
plan or arrangement of the Company or its Affiliates, that constitutes a “deferral of compensation” subject to Section 409A and that if paid during the six (6) months beginning on the Date of Termination of Executive’s
employment would be subject to the Section 409A additional tax because Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by the Company), the payment will be paid to Executive on the
earlier of the six (6) month anniversary of his Date of Termination or death. To the extent Executive would otherwise be entitled to any benefit (other than a payment) during the six (6) months beginning on termination of Executive’s
employment that would be subject to the Section 409A additional 
  

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tax, the benefit will be delayed and will begin being provided on the earlier of the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of Executive’s Date of Termination or death. Any
payment or benefit due upon a termination of employment that represents a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A shall be paid or provided only upon a “separation from service” as defined in Treas.
Reg. § 1.409A-l(h). Each payment made under this Agreement shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A. Amounts payable under this Agreement shall be deemed not to be a “deferral of compensation” subject
to Section 409A to the extent provided in the exceptions in Treasury Regulation §§ 1.409A-l(b)(4) (“short-term deferrals”) and (b)(9) (“separation pay plans,” including the exception under subparagraph (iii)) and
other applicable provisions of Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1 through A-6. 
 19. Headings. The Section headings
contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and in no manner shall be construed as part of this Agreement. 
 20.
Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior agreements, whether written or oral, with respect thereto. 

21. Duration of Terms. The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any termination of
Executive’s employment to the extent necessary to give effect to such rights and obligations. 
 22. Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive, the Company and SARL have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

  

			
	LYONDELLBASELL AFGP S.a.r.l.
		
	By:	 	/s/ Stephen F. Cooper
	Name:	 	Stephen F. Cooper
	Title:	 	Vice Chairman of Supervisory Board
	
	LYONDELL CHEMICAL COMPANY
		
	By:	 	/s/ James L. Gallogly
	Name:	 	James L. Gallogly
	Title:	 	President and Cheif Executive Officer
	
	/s/ Bhavesh V. Patel
	Bhavesh V. Patel


  

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