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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o

Check the appropriate box:

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

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Definitive Proxy Statement

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Definitive Additional Materials

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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

N/A
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
         
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 
 
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LOGO

ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
100 Overlook Center
Princeton, New Jersey 08540

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On April 23, 2008

March 26, 2008

To our stockholders:

        On behalf of your board of directors, we are pleased to invite you to attend the 2008 annual meeting of stockholders of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 9:00 a.m., local time, at our offices located at 100 Overlook Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08540.

        At the meeting, you will be asked to:

        (1)   Elect three Class III directors to serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified;

        (2)   Ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008; and

        (3)   Transact any other business properly brought before the meeting. Stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 17, 2008 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. To assure your representation at the meeting, please execute and return the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting.

This proxy statement is first being mailed to stockholders on or about March 26, 2008.


Table of Contents

 
   Page
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ROCKWOOD'S ANNUAL MEETING   1
  Stockholders Entitled to Vote   1
  Required Vote   1
  Proxy Statement Availability   1

BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
 
1

PROXIES AND VOTING PROCEDURES
 
2
  How Proxies are Voted   2
  How to Revoke or Change Your Proxy   3
  Method and Cost of Proxy Solicitation   3
  Stockholder Director Nominations and Proposals for the 2008 Annual Meeting   3

PROPOSAL ONE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
4
  General Information   4
  Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting   4
  Directors Whose Terms Do Not Expire This Year   5

PROPOSAL TWO RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
6

OTHER MATTERS
 
6

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND RELATED MATTERS
 
7
  Director Independence   7
  Meetings of the Board of Directors   7
  Audit Committee   7
  Audit Committee Report   8
  Compensation Committee   9
  Compensation Committee Report   10
  Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation   10
  Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee   10
  Presiding Director of Non-Management Executive Sessions   11
  Corporate Governance Guidelines   11
  Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics   11
  Director Candidate Recommendations by Stockholders   11
  Stockholder and Interested Party Communications with the Board of Directors   12

AUDIT AND RELATED FEES
 
12

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
13

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION
 
13
  Compensation Discussion and Analysis   13
  Summary Compensation Table   22
  Grants of Plan-Based Awards   24
  Director Compensation   25
  Equity Compensation Plan Information   28
  Employment and Other Agreements   28
  Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End   35
  Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation   37

STOCK OWNERSHIP
 
38
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management   38
  Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance   41

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
42
  Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons   42
  Agreements with KKR, DLJMB and/or Management   42
  Relationship with DLJMB and Credit Suisse   46

ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
100 Overlook Center
Princeton, New Jersey 08540

PROXY STATEMENT
For the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held On
April 23, 2008

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ROCKWOOD'S ANNUAL MEETING

        We are providing this proxy statement in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the board of directors of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. for use at Rockwood's 2008 annual meeting of stockholders and at any adjournment of the annual meeting. You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting, which will be held at our offices located at 100 Overlook Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. local time.

Stockholders Entitled to Vote

        The record date for the annual meeting is March 17, 2008. Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on that date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting. On March 17, 2008, there were 73,904,363 shares of common stock outstanding.

Required Vote

        The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the shares outstanding on the record date is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting. Each stockholder is entitled to one vote, in person or by proxy, for each share of common stock held as of the record date on each matter to be voted upon. Abstentions and broker non-votes are included in determining whether a quorum is present. A broker non-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary power with respect to that item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner.

        Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Thus, an abstention or broker non-vote will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on election of directors at the annual meeting. For the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP and all other matters, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the annual meeting is required.

Proxy Statement Availability

        Pursuant to new rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), we have elected to provide access to our proxy materials both by sending you this full set of proxy materials, including a proxy card, and by notifying you of the availability of our proxy materials on the internet. This proxy statement and our 2007 Annual Report to Stockholders are available at our website at http://www.rockwoodspecialties.com/rock_english/ir/irdownld.asp. In addition, in accordance with SEC rules, you may access our proxy statement at http://ww3.ics.adp.com/streetlink/ROC, which does not have "cookies" that identify visitors to the site.


BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

        Delaware law and Rockwood's certificate of incorporation and by-laws govern the vote on each proposal. The board of directors' recommendation is set forth together with the description of each

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item in this proxy statement. In summary, the board of directors' recommendations and approval requirements are:

PROPOSAL 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        The first item to be voted on is the election of three Class III directors to serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The board of directors has nominated three people as directors, each of whom is currently serving as a director of Rockwood.

        You may find information about these nominees—Brian F. Carroll, Todd A. Fisher and Douglas L. Maine—beginning on Page 4.

        You may vote in favor of all the nominees, withhold your votes as to all nominees, or withhold your votes as to specific nominees. Assuming a quorum, each share of common stock may be voted for as many nominees as there are directors to be elected. Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Stockholders may not cumulate their votes. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on election of directors at the annual meeting.

        The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR each director nominee.

PROPOSAL 2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        The second item to be voted on is the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Rockwood's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.

        You may find information about this proposal beginning on Page 6.

        You may vote in favor of the proposal, vote against the proposal, or abstain from voting. Assuming a quorum, the proposal will pass if approved by a majority of the shares present in person or represented and entitled to vote on the matter. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes against the proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.

        The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Rockwood's independent registered public accounting firm.


OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING

        The board of directors is not aware of any other business to be presented for a vote of the stockholders at the annual meeting. If any other matters are properly presented for a vote, the people named as proxies will have discretionary authority, to the extent permitted by law, to vote on such matters according to their best judgment.


PROXIES AND VOTING PROCEDURES

        Your vote is important and you are encouraged to vote your shares promptly.

How Proxies are Voted

        You may vote by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card or by voting in person at the annual meeting. Each proxy will be voted as directed. However, if a proxy solicited by the board of directors does not specify how it is to be voted, it will be voted as the board of directors recommends—that is, FOR the election of the three nominees for Class III director named in this proxy statement and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Rockwood's independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. If

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any other matters are properly presented at the annual meeting for consideration, such as consideration of a motion to adjourn the annual meeting to another time or place, the persons named as proxies will have discretion to vote on those matters according to their best judgment to the same extent as the person delivering the proxy would be entitled to vote. As of the date of this proxy statement, we did not anticipate that any other matters would be raised at the annual meeting.

How to Revoke or Change Your Proxy

        If you submit a proxy and then wish to change your vote or vote in person at the annual meeting, you will need to revoke the proxy that you have submitted. You can revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by delivery of a properly executed, later-dated proxy or a written revocation of your proxy. A later-dated proxy or written revocation must be received before the annual meeting by the Corporate Secretary of Rockwood, Thomas J. Riordan, at Rockwood Holdings, Inc., 100 Overlook Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, or it must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary at the annual meeting before proxies are voted. You will be able to change your proxy as many times as you wish prior to its being voted at the annual meeting and the last proxy received chronologically will supersede any prior proxies.

Method and Cost of Proxy Solicitation

        This proxy solicitation is being made on behalf of Rockwood and the expense of preparing, printing and mailing this proxy statement is being paid by us. Proxies may be solicited by officers, directors and employees of Rockwood in person, by mail, telephone, facsimile or other electronic means. We will not specially compensate those persons for their solicitation activities. In accordance with the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), we will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their expense incurred in sending proxies and proxy materials to beneficial owners of our common stock.

Stockholder Director Nominations and Proposals for the 2009 Annual Meeting

        Pursuant to Rockwood's by-laws, stockholders may present director nominations and proposals that are proper subjects for consideration at an annual meeting. Rockwood's by-laws require all stockholders who intend to nominate persons for election to the board of directors or make proposals at an annual meeting to give timely notice thereof in writing to the Corporate Secretary of Rockwood, Thomas J. Riordan, at Rockwood Holdings, Inc., 100 Overlook Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which Rockwood first mailed its proxy materials for the previous year's annual meeting, which is March 26, 2008, after which point a shareholder proposal will be considered untimely. In the event that the date of the 2009 annual meeting is changed by more than 30 days from the anniversary date of the annual meeting, stockholder notice must be so delivered not earlier than 120 days prior to the 2009 annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the 2009 annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 2009 annual meeting is first made. However, if the number of directors to be elected to the board of directors of Rockwood is increased and there is no public announcement by Rockwood naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased board of directors at least 100 calendar days prior to the anniversary of the mailing of proxy materials for the prior year's annual meeting, then a stockholder notice only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase must be received by the Corporate Secretary of Rockwood not later than the close of business on the 10th day following such public announcement.

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PROPOSAL ONE

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        The first agenda item to be voted on is the election of three Class III directors to serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

General Information

        The board of directors currently consists of nine directors, and is divided into three classes—Class I, Class II and Class III. Directors are generally elected for three-year terms on a staggered term basis, so that each year the term of office of one class will expire and the terms of office of the other classes will extend for additional periods of one and two years, as applicable. The term of office for current Class III directors expires at the annual meeting and thereafter until the person's successor has been duly elected and qualified. The term of office for Class I and Class II directors will expire at the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders and the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, respectively.

        This year's nominees have been nominated to serve for a three-year term expiring at the 2011 annual meeting of stockholders and thereafter until the person's successor has been duly elected and qualified. We have inquired of the nominees and determined that they will serve if elected. If, for any reason, any nominee becomes unavailable for election and the board of directors selects a substitute nominee, the proxies will be voted for the substitute nominee selected by the board of directors. The board of directors has no reason to believe that any of the named nominees is not available or will not serve if elected.

        The nominees are current directors of Rockwood, and a description of the background of each is set forth below. Immediately thereafter is a description of the background of the existing directors whose terms of office extend beyond the annual meeting.

Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting

Name
   Age
   Position
   Class
Brian F. Carroll   36   Director   III
Todd A. Fisher   42   Director   III
Douglas L. Maine   59   Director   III

        Brian F. Carroll has been a director of Rockwood since 2000, a member of KKR & Co. L.L.C., which serves as a general partner of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. ("KKR"), since January 2006, and an executive of KKR since 1999. In addition, Mr. Carroll was an executive at KKR from 1995 to 1997, at which time he left KKR to attend business school at Stanford University. Prior to joining KKR in 1995, Mr. Carroll was with Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation. Mr. Carroll is a member of the boards of directors of Sealy Corporation and Laureate Education, Inc. Mr. Carroll has a B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania and a M.B.A. from Stanford University.

        Todd A. Fisher has been a director of Rockwood since 2000, a member of KKR & Co. L.L.C., which serves as a general partner of KKR, since January 2001 and an executive of KKR since 1993. Prior to joining KKR, he was with Goldman, Sachs & Co. in its Corporate Finance Department. Mr. Fisher is a member of the boards of directors of Maxeda B.V. and Northgate Information Solutions plc. Mr. Fisher has a B.A. from Brown University, an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University and a M.B.A. from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

        Douglas L. Maine has been a director of Rockwood since August 2005. Mr. Maine joined International Business Machines in 1998 as Chief Financial Officer following a 20 year career with MCI, where he was Chief Financial Officer from 1992-1998. He was named General Manager of

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ibm.com in 2000 and General Manager of Consumer Products Industry in 2003 and retired in 2005. Mr. Maine is also a member of the board of directors of Alliant Techsystems, Inc. Mr. Maine has a B.S. from Temple University and a M.B.A. from Hofstra University.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE.

Directors Whose Terms Do Not Expire This Year

Name
   Age
   Position
   Class
Seifi Ghasemi   63   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer   II
Sheldon R. Erikson   66   Director   II
Perry Golkin   54   Director   II
J. Kent Masters   47   Director   I
Cynthia A. Niekamp   48   Director   I
Susan Schnabel   46   Director   I

        Seifi Ghasemi has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rockwood and our subsidiary, Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., since November 2001. From 1997 to 2001 he was with GKN, plc, a $6.0 billion revenue per year global industrial company. He served as a director of the Main Board of GKN, plc and was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GKN Sinter Metals, Inc. and Hoeganes Corporation. Before that, for 18 years, Mr. Ghasemi was with BOC Group, plc, a $7 billion revenue per year global industrial gas company. He was a director of the Main Board of BOC Group, plc; President, BOC Gases Americas and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BOC Process Plants, LTD and Cryostar. Mr. Ghasemi has a Masters of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.

        Sheldon R. Erikson has been a director of Rockwood since November 2005. Mr. Erikson has been the Chairman of Cameron International Corp, a global manufacturer, provider and servicer of petroleum equipment, since 1996 and the President and Chief Executive Officer since 1995. He was Chairman from 1988 to 1995, and President and Chief Executive Officer from 1987 to 1995, of The Western Company of North America, an international petroleum service company. He also serves on the boards of directors of the National Petroleum Council, the American Petroleum Institute, the Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Association and the National Association of Manufacturers. Mr. Erikson studied at the University of Illinois and has a M.B.A. from Harvard University.

        Perry Golkin has been a director of Rockwood since 2000. Mr. Golkin has been an executive with KKR and a general partner of KKR since 1995. In 1996, he became a member of KKR & Co. L.L.C. which serves as the general partner of KKR. Mr. Golkin is also a member of the board of directors of PRIMEDIA, Inc. Mr. Golkin has a B.S., M.S. from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

        J. Kent Masters has been a director of Rockwood since May 2007. Mr. Masters has been a member of the Executive Board of Linde AG, a global leader in manufacturing and sales of industrial gases, with responsibility for the Americas, Africa and the tonnage and bulk businesses, since 2006. Prior to joining Linde AG, Mr. Masters was a member of the Board of Directors of BOC Group, plc, a global industrial gas company, which was acquired by Linde AG in 2006. At BOC Group, plc, he served as President, Process Gas Solutions-Americas, from 2002-2005 and as Chief Executive, Industrial and Special Products, from 2005 until 2006. Mr. Masters has a B.Sc. degree in chemical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a M.B.A. from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University.

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        Cynthia A. Niekamp has been a director of Rockwood since March 2006. Ms. Niekamp has been a Vice President of BorgWarner, Inc., and President and General Manager of its TorqTransfer Systems division since 2004. Prior to joining BorgWarner, Inc., she spent nine years at MeadWestvaco Corporation, where she served in various senior management roles in strategic planning as well as four years as President of its Specialty Papers division and most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From 1990 to 1995, she served in various operational and business development roles at TRW, Inc. and before that she spent approximately 10 years at General Motors Corporation in operations and engineering. Ms. Niekamp has a B.S. from Purdue University in industrial engineering and a M.B.A. from Harvard University.

        Susan Schnabel has been a director of Rockwood since July 2004. Ms. Schnabel joined DLJ's Investment Banking Division in 1990 and DLJ Merchant Banking in 1998. In 1997, she left DLJ's Investment Banking Division to serve as Chief Financial Officer of PETsMART, a high growth specialty retailer of pet products and supplies, and joined DLJ Merchant Banking as Managing Director in 1998. Ms. Schnabel is a director of DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc., Frontier Drilling, Laramie Energy, LLC, Luxury Optical Holdings, Inc., Pinnacle Gas Resources, Inc., Target Media Corp., Total Safety U.S., Inc. and Specialized Technology Resources, Inc. Ms. Schnabel received a B.S. from Cornell University in 1983 and a M.B.A. from Harvard University.


PROPOSAL TWO

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        The second agenda item to be voted on is the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.

        The audit committee of the board of directors has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP to audit our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. We are asking our stockholders to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. Although stockholder ratification of the appointment is not required, the board of directors is submitting the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice.

        Even if the appointment is ratified, the audit committee may in its discretion select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of Rockwood and our stockholders. If the appointment is not ratified by our stockholders, the audit committee will reconsider the appointment.

        A representative of Deloitte & Touche LLP is expected to attend the annual meeting and be available to respond to appropriate questions. The representative will be afforded an opportunity to make a statement, if he or she desires to do so.

        THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP AS ROCKWOOD'S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.


OTHER MATTERS

        As of the date of this proxy statement, we know of no business that will be presented for consideration at the annual meeting other than the items referred to above. If any other matter is properly brought before the annual meeting for action by stockholders, proxies in the enclosed form returned to Rockwood will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the board of directors, or in the absence of such a recommendation, in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holder.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND RELATED MATTERS

Director Independence

        Effective as of November 16, 2007, as a result of the sale of shares of our common stock by funds affiliated with KKR, we no longer qualify as a "controlled company" under NYSE rules. Therefore, we will be required to have a majority of independent directors and compensation and corporate governance and nominating committees composed entirely of independent directors. However, we will be permitted to phase in these corporate governance requirements over a twelve month period commencing November 16, 2007. Currently, in accordance with NYSE rules, the compensation and corporate governance and nominating committees are comprised of a majority of independent directors and the audit committee is comprised entirely of independent directors. The board of directors has determined that Sheldon R. Erikson, Douglas L. Maine, J. Kent Masters and Cynthia A. Niekamp are independent directors within the meaning of applicable NYSE listing standards and the applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

        When making "independence" determinations, the board of directors shall broadly consider all relevant facts and circumstances, as well as any other facts and considerations specified by the NYSE, by law or by any rule or regulation of any other regulatory body or self-regulatory body applicable to Rockwood. When assessing the materiality of a director's relationship with Rockwood, the board of directors shall consider the issue not merely from the standpoint of the director, but also from that of persons or organizations with which the director has an affiliation. Although the board of directors has not adopted categorical standards for purposes of affirmatively determining independence, the board has determined that the following relationships will not be considered material relationships that would impair a director's independence:


Meetings of the Board of Directors

        The board of directors is required to meet at least four times annually, or more frequently as circumstances dictate. The board of directors met seven times in 2007, either in person or by telephone. All directors are expected to participate, whether in person or by telephone, in all board meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of all board of directors and applicable committee meetings during 2007 except for Mr. Golkin who attended four board meetings, and Mr. Masters, who attended three of the five board meetings and four of the six audit committee meetings held after he became a director. Messrs. Golkin and Masters were unable to attend the meetings due to scheduling conflicts. Eight directors attended the 2007 annual meeting of stockholders held on May 16, 2007.

Audit Committee

        Our audit committee currently consists of Douglas L. Maine, J. Kent Masters and Cynthia A. Niekamp. The board of directors has determined that all of the members of the audit committee are

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financially literate and meet the independence requirements mandated by the applicable NYSE listing standards, Section 10A(m)(3) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and our independence standards. Mr. Maine is the chairperson and serves as the audit committee financial expert.

        Our audit committee is responsible for (1) selecting the independent auditors, (2) approving the overall scope of the audit, (3) assisting the board of directors in monitoring the integrity of our financial statements, the independent accountant's qualifications and independence, the performance of the independent accountants and our internal audit function and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (4) annually reviewing an independent auditors' report describing the auditing firm's internal quality-control procedures, any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the auditing firm, (5) discussing the annual audited financial and quarterly statements with management and the independent auditor, (6) discussing earnings press releases, as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies, (7) discussing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, (8) meeting separately, periodically, with management, internal auditors and the independent auditor, (9) reviewing with the independent auditor any audit problems or difficulties and management's response, (10) setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors, (11) handling such other matters that are specifically delegated to the audit committee by the board of directors from time to time and (12) reporting regularly to the full board of directors.

        The audit committee has adopted a formal policy concerning the pre-approval of audit and non-audit services to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. The policy requires that all services to be performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP, including audit services, audit-related services and permitted non-audit services, be pre-approved by the audit committee. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year, and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is subject to a budget. Specific services being provided by the independent accountants are regularly reviewed in accordance with the pre-approval policy and the audit committee may pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. The audit committee has delegated the authority to grant pre-approvals to Mr. Maine, the audit committee chair, when the full audit committee is unable to do so. At each subsequent audit committee meeting, the audit committee reviews these pre-approvals, receives updates on the services actually provided by the independent accountants, and management may present additional services for approval. For 2007, the audit committee generally pre-approved all audit, audit-related and non-audit services performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP.

        Our audit committee is required to meet at least four times annually, or more frequently as circumstances dictate. The committee met ten times in 2007.

        Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the audit committee, which is available on our website at www.rocksp.com in the "Investor Relations—Corporate Governance" section, and upon written request by our stockholders at no cost.

Audit Committee Report

        The audit committee reviews Rockwood's financial reporting process on behalf of the board of directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for expressing an opinion on those audited consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

        In fulfilling its responsibilities, the audit committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements contained in Rockwood's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 with Rockwood's management and independent registered public accounting firm. The audit committee has also discussed with the independent registered public accountant the

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matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications With Audit Committees, including the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of the disclosures in the financial statements. In addition, the audit committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the auditor's independence from Rockwood and its management, including the matters in the written disclosures and letter which were received by the audit committee from the independent registered public accountant, as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees.

        Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the audit committee approved the audited consolidated financial statements and recommended to the board of directors that they be included in Rockwood's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The audit committee has also selected Deloitte & Touche as Rockwood's independent registered public accounting firm and are presenting the selection to the stockholders for ratification.


 
 
AUDIT COMMITTEE

 
 
Douglas L. Maine, Chairperson
J. Kent Masters
Cynthia A. Niekamp

        The preceding audit committee report is provided only for the purpose of this proxy statement. This report shall not be incorporated, in whole or in part, in any other Rockwood filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Compensation Committee

        Our compensation committee currently consists of Sheldon R. Erikson, J. Kent Masters and Todd A. Fisher. Mr. Erikson is the chairperson; he and Mr. Masters are the only independent directors on the committee as permitted by applicable NYSE rules. The committee will be solely comprised of independent directors no later than November 16, 2008.

        Our compensation committee is responsible for (1) reviewing key employee compensation policies, plans and programs, (2) reviewing and approving the compensation of our chief executive officer and executive officers, (3) reviewing and recommending to the board of directors the compensation of our directors, (4) reviewing and approving employment contracts and other similar arrangements between us and our chief executive officer and executive officers, (5) reviewing and consulting with the chairman and chief executive officer on the selection of officers and evaluation of executive performance and other related matters, (6) administration of equity plans and other incentive compensation plans and (7) such other matters that are specifically delegated to the compensation committee by the board of directors from time to time.

        Our compensation committee is required to meet at least two times annually, or more frequently, as circumstances dictate. Our compensation committee met six times in 2007.

        Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the compensation committee which is available on our website at www.rocksp.com in the "Investor Relations—Corporate Governance" section, and upon written request by our stockholders at no cost.

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Compensation Committee Report

        The compensation committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on its review and discussion with management, the compensation committee recommended to the board of directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.


 
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 
 
Sheldon R. Erikson, Chairperson
Todd. A. Fisher
J. Kent Masters

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        The compensation levels of our executive officers are currently determined by the compensation committee as described in this proxy statement. None of our executive officers has served as a director or member of the compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any entity of which an executive officer is expected to serve as a member of our compensation committee.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

        Our corporate governance and nominating committee currently consists of Cynthia A. Niekamp, Douglas L. Maine and Susan Schnabel. Ms. Niekamp is the chairperson; she and Mr. Maine are the only independent directors on the committee as permitted by applicable NYSE rules. The committee will be solely comprised of independent directors no later than November 16, 2008.

        The corporate governance and nominating committee is responsible for (1) developing corporate governance guidelines, (2) developing and recommending criteria for selecting new directors, (3) overseeing evaluations of the board of directors and its members, (4) screening and recommending to the board of directors individuals qualified to become executive officers, (5) overseeing and approving the management continuity planning process, (6) administering our related party transactions policy, and (7) handling such other matters that are specifically delegated to the corporate governance and nominating committee by the board of directors from time to time.

        In nominating candidates to serve as directors, the board of directors' objective, with the assistance of the corporate governance and nominating committee, is to select individuals with skills and experience that can be of assistance to management in operating our business. When evaluating the recommendations of the corporate governance and nominating committee, the board of directors should consider whether individual directors possess the following personal characteristics: integrity, accountability, informed judgment, financial literacy, mature confidence and high performance standards. The board of directors as a whole should possess all of the following core competencies, with each candidate contributing knowledge, experience and skills in at least one domain: accounting and finance, global business judgment, senior management expertise, industry knowledge, leadership and strategy/vision. For a description of the procedures for stockholders to submit proposals regarding director nominations, see "Director Candidate Recommendations by Stockholders" below.

        Our corporate governance and nominating committee is required to meet at least two times annually, or more frequently as circumstances dictate. Our corporate governance and nominating committee met two times in 2007.

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        Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the corporate governance and nominating committee which is available on our website at www.rocksp.com in the "Investor Relations—Corporate Governance" section, and upon written request by our stockholders at no cost.

Presiding Director of Non-Management Executive Sessions

        The board of directors has determined that at each executive session of non-management members of the board of directors, the non-management members in attendance will determine by majority vote which member will preside at such session.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

        The board of directors has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines which set forth the board of directors' core principles of corporate governance and are designed to promote its effective functioning and assist the board of directors in fulfilling its responsibilities. The board of directors will review and amend these guidelines from time to time as it deems necessary and appropriate. The Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on our website at www.rocksp.com in the "Investor Relations—Corporate Governance" section, and upon written request by our stockholders at no cost.

Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics

        We are committed to conducting business in accordance with the highest ethical standards and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our employees, executive officers and directors. In addition, we have adopted a Code of Ethics For Executive Officers and Financial Officers that applies to our executive officers and our financial officers. We intend to post amendments to or waivers from the Code or Business Conduct and Ethics and Code of Ethics for Executive Officers and Financial Officers on our website at www.rocksp.com. Both codes are available on our website at www.rocksp.com, in the "Investor Relations—Codes of Conduct" section, and upon written request by our stockholders at no cost.

Director Candidate Recommendations by Stockholders

        The corporate governance and nominating committee has adopted policies and procedures for director candidate recommendations by stockholders. Acceptance of a recommendation does not imply, however, that the committee will nominate the recommended candidate.

        Each recommendation should be accompanied by certain information relating to the stockholder making such recommendation, as well as information concerning the recommended candidate, including the name, address and relevant qualifications of the recommended candidate. A stockholder that wishes to recommend a candidate for election to the board of directors should complete and submit a director recommendation form (which is attached as an exhibit to the policies and procedures for candidate recommendations by stockholders) and submit it to the corporate governance and nominating committee:

 
By mail:
 
 

 
 
Stockholder Director Recommendation
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
c/o: Senior Vice President, Law & Administration
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
100 Overlook Center
Princeton, NJ 08540
 
By fax:
 
 

 
 
(609) 514-8722

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        Stockholders who are recommending candidates for nomination in connection with the next annual meeting of stockholders should submit their completed director recommendation forms no later than March 1 of the year of that meeting.

        A copy of these policies and procedures is available on our website at www.rocksp.com in the "Investor Relations—Corporate Governance" section, and upon written request by our stockholders at no cost.

Stockholder and Interested Party Communications with the Board of Directors

        The corporate governance and nominating committee has adopted procedures for stockholders and other interested parties to communicate with Rockwood's board of directors. Stockholders and other interested parties may communicate with (i) the board of directors as a whole, (ii) the independent directors as a group, (iii) when appointed, the presiding director of executive sessions of non-management directors, (iv) any other individual member of the board of directors, or (v) any committee of the board of directors by submitting those communications to the appropriate person or group:

 
By mail:
 
 

 
 
Communication to the Board of Directors
[Name of Appropriate Person or Group]
c/o: Senior Vice President, Law & Administration
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
100 Overlook Center
Princeton, NJ 08540
 
By fax:
 
 

 
 
(609) 514-8722

        All appropriate stockholder and interested party communications received by the Senior Vice President, Law & Administration, will be forwarded to the appropriate person or group. Inappropriate communications include those not related to the duties or responsibilities of the board of directors. In addition, the receipt of any accounting, internal controls or audit-related complaints or concerns will be forwarded to the audit committee.

        A copy of these procedures is available on our website at www.rocksp.com in the "Investor Relations—Corporate Governance" section, and upon written request by our stockholders at no cost.


AUDIT AND RELATED FEES

        The following table summarizes aggregate fees billed to us by Deloitte & Touche LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, with the following notes explaining the services underlying the table captions:

 
   2007
   2006
 
   (millions)
Audit fees(1)   $ 10.8   $ 10.2
Audit-related fees(2)     0.5     2.1
Tax fees(3)     0.5     0.8
All other fees(4)     0.2     0.4
   
 
Total   $ 12.0   $ 13.5
(1)
Includes fees for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, audits required by federal regulatory bodies, review of the consolidated financial statements included in our

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(2)
Includes fees for services related to due diligence reviews of potential and consummated mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, as well as advisory services in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

(3)
Includes fees for services related to tax compliance, including preparation of U.S. and foreign tax returns, responses to tax authorities and assistance on tax appeals and audits; tax planning and advice, including potential and completed restructuring of existing organizations and advice related to tax structuring for mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.

(4)
Includes fees related to services provided in connection with benefit plans of acquired companies.

        For additional information, please see "Audit Committee" beginning on page 7.


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

        In addition to Seifi Ghasemi, Rockwood's chairman and chief executive officer, whose biography is included on page 5, Rockwood also has the following executive officers that are not directors.

        Robert J. Zatta (58) has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Rockwood and our subsidiary, Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., since April 2001. Prior to joining Rockwood, he spent twelve years with the Campbell Soup Company, where he held several significant financial management positions, including his final position as Vice President responsible for Corporate Development and Strategic Planning. Prior to joining Campbell Soup Company in 1990, he worked for General Foods Corporation and Thomas J. Lipton, Inc. Mr. Zatta has a B.S. in Business Administration and a M.B.A. in Finance.

        Thomas J. Riordan (58) has been Senior Vice President, Law & Administration of Rockwood and Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. since 2000. Prior to that he was Vice President, Law & Administration of Laporte Inc. since 1992 and joined Laporte in 1989. Mr. Riordan worked for UOP from 1975 to 1989 where he held various positions, most recently Chief Litigation Counsel. Mr. Riordan has a B.A. in Liberal Arts, an M.B.A. and a J.D. He is also admitted to the Illinois Bar, has a New Jersey Limited In-House Counsel License and is a member of the American Bar Association, and has taken part in the Wharton/Laporte Business Program.


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

        This executive summary highlights information from this Compensation Discussion and Analysis section. Please carefully review the more detailed disclosure below in order to gain a better understanding of our executive compensation program.

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        We compensate our senior management in a manner designed to be competitive with comparable employers and to align management's incentives with the interests of our stockholders. The objectives of Rockwood's executive compensation program are to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified and talented professionals while supporting our vision of creating a dynamic company that delivers value and growth to its stockholders. To achieve these objectives, compensation for our senior management is allocated between short-term compensation tied to short-term performance measures and long-term compensation tied to long-term performance and growth. Short-term compensation is cash-based and includes (i) base salary and (ii) an annual cash bonus awarded under our Short-Term Incentive Plan which is tied to Rockwood's financial performance during such year. Long-term compensation is equity-based and is provided through options that vest based on the senior manager's length of service to Rockwood and options and restricted stock units that vest based upon Rockwood's financial performance, all of which are granted under our 2005 Amended and Restated Stock Purchase and Option Plan. We believe that this compensation philosophy both aligns the interests of senior management with stockholders by tying compensation to Rockwood's performance and provides an incentive for our senior management to remain with the Company.

        We also provide our named executive officers with certain executive benefits, such as participation in a defined contribution 401(k) plan and a supplemental savings plan, and, in certain circumstances, a discretionary bonus based upon individual performance in furtherance of our long-term business plan, although none of our named executive officers received a discretionary bonus in 2007.

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        In order to ensure that our senior management's compensation is competitive within our industry, the compensation committee reviews and approves our executive compensation program on an annual basis. In 2007, as in prior years, our compensation committee retained Mercer (US) Inc., an internationally recognized human resources consultant that also assists us in the administration of our U.S. employee benefit programs, to assist the compensation committee in evaluating the compensation of our executive officers and certain key employees and to assess our compensation program against other companies in our industry and related industries. In connection with its review, Mercer generally evaluated the following elements of our executive compensation program:

Mercer compared these elements of compensation for our named executive officers to our peer group. Mercer also compiled and presented published survey data, which is used as a broader industry reference for compensation of nondurable manufacturing organizations. This data reflected industry information for functionally comparable positions at organizations of similar size to Rockwood and was referenced by the compensation committee as general information in evaluating compensation.

        Rockwood generally targets total compensation for our named executive officers to fall within the range of the 75th percentile of total compensation for the peer group and survey data. Base salaries are targeted to fall around the 50th percentile of the market, while the other components of compensation place a particular emphasis on performance-based incentives. The compensation committee has determined that the range of the 75th percentile for total compensation is appropriate for our named executive officers due to their ability to transform the company, in particular, the ability to streamline our portfolio of companies and complete strategic objectives as well as focus on the growth of our underlying businesses.

        The compensation committee sets the primary components of compensation for our chairman and chief executive officer based on our overall compensation philosophy and following consultation with Mercer. For compensation decisions related to our other named executive officers, our chairman and chief executive officer consults with Mercer and then makes recommendations to our compensation committee, who, in consultation with Mercer, ultimately determines such compensation.

        Mercer provided data that reflects the compensation practices for public companies of comparable business character and size, including companies in the chemical industry, to assist the compensation committee's review. Companies used in the chemical industry group include Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., Albemarle Corp., Cabot Corp., Chemtura Corporation, Cytec Industries, Inc., Hercules, Inc., Lubrizol Corp., Rohm and Haas Co., RPM International, Inc., Sigma-Aldrich Corp. and Valspar Corp. In addition, the compensation committee considered published compensation survey data for similar executive job descriptions.

        Base salaries are set at levels designed to be competitive in the labor markets in which we compete for talented senior executives, using a reference point of the median of the peer group markets. The compensation committee annually reviews the performance of our executive officers, including our chairman and chief executive officer, based on quantitative and qualitative criteria as well as comparisons to the peer and survey data references discussed above and establishes appropriate increases in base salaries. Our chairman and chief executive officer participates in the evaluation of our

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senior management and makes recommendations to the compensation committee regarding changes in the base salaries of our named executive officers. Factors considered in setting base salary (including material increases) include our financial performance, the performance of the named executive officer, including leadership in completing strategic or other business objectives, and the peer and survey market data discussed above. For example, in 2007 our named executive officers, in addition to driving the performance of our business segments, were instrumental in divesting two business segments, our Groupe Novesep and Electronics businesses, streamlining our timeline for reporting financial results and completing strategic acquisitions.

        For 2007 and 2006, base salaries earned amounted to $1,250,000 per year, or approximately 24.7% and 30.2%, respectively, of Mr. Ghasemi's total compensation; $457,500 and $445,000, respectively, or approximately 34.0% and 37.1%, respectively, of Mr. Zatta's total compensation; and $391,250 and $358,750, respectively, or approximately 33.3% and 34.9%, respectively, of Mr. Riordan's total compensation. Mr. Ghasemi's base salary is greater than that of our other named executive officers due to a number of factors including his substantial experience in managing industrial companies, his strategic expertise in driving business growth, and his significant role and responsibility at Rockwood. For 2008, the compensation committee has approved raises of approximately 4% for Mr. Ghasemi and 3% for Messrs. Zatta and Riordan based on market conditions.

        Annual cash bonuses are awarded under the Short-Term Incentive Plan and are designed to provide our named executive officers with the opportunity to achieve cash bonus awards based on predetermined quantitative performance of Rockwood. Our bonus payments under the Short-Term Incentive Plan are typically made in the first quarter following the year of performance after our audited financial statements for such year are completed.

        The compensation committee sets the performance criteria based on the consolidated annual budgets at constant exchange rates that are approved by the board of directors. The performance criteria for our named executive officers and our business units for 2007 relates to adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA). Adjusted EBITDA, as more fully described in Rockwood's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007, is an important financial measure for us because our senior secured credit agreement and the indenture governing our senior subordinated notes contain financial covenants that are determined based on Adjusted EBITDA. In addition, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is the appropriate primary financial measure to assess our operating performance because it excludes items that have been deemed by management to have little or no bearing on our day-to-day operating performance, and is therefore helpful in highlighting trends in our overall business. The performance target for our named executive officers for 2007, upon which their bonuses were based, was Adjusted EBITDA of $625.4 million (at a constant exchange rate of €1.00=$1.30).

        In years prior to 2007, the performance criteria under our Short-Term Incentive Plan were based on both Adjusted EBITDA and net working capital as a percentage of net sales, with Adjusted EBITDA and net working capital representing 80% and 20%, respectively, of an individual's target bonus rate. We previously rewarded decreases in net working capital as part of our bonus criteria because of its impact on cash flow. However, due to the significant improvements made by us in reducing net working capital as a percentage of net sales, the board of directors decided to eliminate net working capital as an element of the bonus criteria starting in 2007, and determined that Adjusted EBITDA alone provides the most meaningful measure of our short-term performance. For 2008, the performance criteria for awards under the Short-Term Incentive Plan to our named executive officers will continue to be based solely on Adjusted EBITDA. For future years, the board of directors may change the performance measures to reflect changes in our goals and objectives.

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        The Short-Term Incentive Plan provides for a range of potential awards to participants, including our named executive officers, both above and below their target bonus based on actual results as compared to budgeted results at budgeted exchange rates. For 2007, the target bonus for our chairman and chief executive officer was 150% of base salary; the target bonus for each of our senior vice president and chief financial officer and our senior vice president, law & administration was 100% of base salary. No bonus is awarded unless actual results for the applicable year are at least 90% of the targeted Adjusted EBITDA or exceed the prior year's performance, whichever is higher. If actual Adjusted EBITDA equals 110% of the targeted Adjusted EBITDA, the bonus awarded is at least twice the target bonus, and may actually exceed such amount. In order to illustrate how our Short-Term Incentive Plan functions, the table below details the hypothetical bonus that would have been awarded to Mr. Ghasemi for 2007 based on varying levels of achievement of the performance criteria.

Actual Adjusted EBITDA vs. Target
   Percent of Targeted Bonus
Amount Awarded
   Amount of Bonus ($)
Less than 90% of budget, or amounts less than or equal to prior year, whichever is greater       0%   $ 0

90% of budget, or amounts greater than prior year, whichever is greater
 
  50%
 
$
937,500

100% of budget
 
100%
 
$
1,875,000

110% of budget
 
200%
 
$
3,750,000

        The compensation committee has reviewed and approved the cash bonus awards under the Short-Term Incentive Plan to our chairman and chief executive officer and our other named executive officers for 2007. Because Rockwood exceeded the performance criteria described above for 2007, the cash bonuses awarded to the named executive officers are slightly greater than their target awards. Cash payments under our Short-Term Incentive Plan have typically represented a larger component of total compensation for our named executive officers than those similarly situated in our peer group. The compensation committee believes the mix is appropriate and in line with our philosophy given that cash payments under the Short-Term Incentive Plan are tied to financial performance. In addition, we did not grant any long-term incentive awards to our named executive officers between November 2004 and May 2007. For 2007 and 2006, bonus awards under our Short-Term Incentive Plan accounted for $2,134,882 and $2,221,533, respectively, or approximately 42.3% and 53.5%, respectively, of Mr. Ghasemi's total compensation; $523,758 and $533,168, respectively, or approximately 39.0% and 44.4%, respectively, of Mr. Zatta's total compensation; and $455,442 and $432,459, respectively, or approximately 38.7% and 42.1%, respectively, of Mr. Riordan's total compensation.

        Our board of directors may, in some cases, award cash bonuses to our named executive officers in recognition of their individual extraordinary efforts that support Rockwood's overall goals and strategy. In March 2007, the board of directors awarded each of Mr. Zatta and Mr. Riordan discretionary bonuses of $60,000 for their individual qualitative performance in 2006, in particular, their efforts in divesting the Groupe Novasep business, the proceeds of which we used to redeem all of our outstanding senior subordinated notes due 2011. This amount represents approximately 5.0% of Mr. Zatta's total 2006 compensation and approximately 5.8% of Mr. Riordan's 2006 compensation. Mr. Ghasemi did not receive a discretionary bonus for service related to 2006, and none of our named executive officers received a discretionary bonus for service in 2007.

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        Ownership of equity interests by our named executive officers is a fundamental part of our compensation philosophy and furthers the goal of aligning management's interests with the interests of stockholders. In addition, our long-term equity compensation is designed to reward sustained financial performance and provide our executive officers and key employees with an incentive to remain employed with Rockwood, which in turn, provides stability in key leadership roles.

        Our chairman and chief executive officer, the other named executive officers, and certain key employees own shares of our common stock pursuant to the 2001 and 2004 management equity programs. These equity programs were created in connection with two major events in Rockwood's corporate history: (i) Rockwood's formation in connection with the November 2000 acquisition of certain assets, stock and business from Laporte plc, and (ii) Rockwood's July 2004 acquisition of four businesses of Dynamit Nobel from GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft (formerly known as mg technologies ag).

        The number of shares of common stock each employee was permitted to purchase pursuant to the 2001 and 2004 management equity programs was based upon a review of each participant's position and contribution or potential contribution to Rockwood. In addition, those persons were granted options under the 2005 Amended and Restated Stock Purchase and Option Plan, the number of which is a standard multiple of the number of shares of common stock purchased. This approach allows us to award the most options to those participants that we feel provide the greatest value to Rockwood. These options typically vest as follows: 50% vest and become exercisable over the passage of time and 50% vest and become exercisable upon the achievement of certain pre-established quantitative financial performance targets, in each case in installments over a five-year period from the grant date. If, however, the performance options do not vest because the relevant pre-established annual targets are not met, the performance options will vest on the eighth anniversary of the grant date. Our named executive officers' performance targets are based upon net equity values, which are generally calculated as Adjusted EBITDA times a multiple less net debt; performance targets for others are based on a particular business units' Adjusted EBITDA. The performance targets are set by the board of directors and may be adjusted as a result of certain extraordinary events, such as foreign exchange movements or the divestiture or acquisition of a business. These performance targets are set at challenging, but attainable, levels. However, the performance targets year to year are always greater than those of the prior year. We have met the performance targets set for the years 2004-2007 and as a result, our named executive officers have vested in 80% of these performance based stock options (20% per year).

        In 2007, the compensation committee, with the assistance of Mercer, evaluated our existing equity compensation grants and determined that we needed to institute a new equity compensation program in order to be competitive with other companies in our industry who may compete for the services of our named executive officers. Mercer's study found that Rockwood's total compensation fell below the peer and broader industry market because awards under the 2001 and 2004 management equity programs are maturing and Rockwood lacked an ongoing annual equity award program. The compensation committee determined it was important to tie a significant portion of the awards to our long-term growth to continue to align management's interests with those of stockholders. Accordingly, the company instituted an annual equity award program. Like our previous equity grants, these awards depend both on continued service to Rockwood and our financial performance. The compensation committee determined that, for our named executive officers, the performance aspect of the award should be based upon both annualized Adjusted EBITDA growth, which as discussed above is an

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important financial measure for the company, and annualized earnings per share growth, which is a financial measure commonly used to assess the performance of public companies.

        In May and December 2007, we awarded time options and performance restricted stock units to our named executive officers and certain key employees. The aggregate value of each award was based on a percentage of each recipient's base salary that fell within the competitive range of the market. The number of options and performance restricted stock units was calculated based on the fair market value of our common stock, with the value of the award split equally between options and performance restricted stock units. The compensation committee determined the split was appropriate in light of its goal to retain executives and drive financial performance. The grant in May 2007 relates to the service period and performance in 2007 through 2009, and the grant in December 2007 relates to the service period and performance in 2008 through 2010.

        Stock Options.    The stock options are designed to reward continued service and to provide rewards to our named executive officers if Rockwood's stock price appreciates, further aligning management's and stockholder interests. Stock options vest in three equal annual installments, with the exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. The May 2007 awards vest in three equal installments on each December 31 of the fiscal years 2007-2009, while the December 2007 awards vest in the same manner beginning on December 31, 2008 and ending December 31, 2010. Mr. Ghasemi was granted 124,068 and 143,513 stock options; Mr. Zatta was granted 26,564 and 28,438 options; and Mr. Riordan was granted 23,099 and 24,728 options in the May 2007 and December 2007 grants, respectively. The grant date value using a Black-Scholes option pricing model corresponds to half of the total long-term incentive compensation awarded in each of May and December 2007.

        Performance Restricted Stock Units.    The performance restricted stock units represent a new type of equity compensation for our employees and were designed to primarily reward financial performance and to a lesser extent, continued service with the Company. Upon vesting, each performance restricted stock unit represents the right to receive one share of our common stock. The awards are denominated in Rockwood stock units to align management with stockholder interests of stock price appreciation. The number of performance restricted stock units awarded on the grant date represents a targeted number of shares to be received upon vesting. Vesting generally occurs on December 31 of the last fiscal year of a three-year performance period, subject to the recipient's continued employment with Rockwood and our achievement of certain annualized growth targets over that three year period. The awards are designed such that, in the event the performance targets are achieved, 100% of the performance restricted stock units will vest, with 70% of the units vesting upon the achievement of certain annualized Adjusted EBITDA growth targets and 30% vesting upon the achievement of certain annualized earnings per share growth targets. However, the number of shares actually awarded at the time of vesting may range from zero to double the targeted amount, with a number of shares awarded equal to up to 140% of the target performance restricted stock units vesting at such time based on our exceeding the annualized Adjusted EBITDA growth targets, and a number of shares awarded equal to up to 60% of the target performance restricted stock units vesting at such time based on our exceeding the annualized earnings per share growth targets. Performance restricted stock units granted to participants at our business units vest in a similar manner, although the performance criteria is based solely on such businesses' achievement of annualized Adjusted EBITDA growth targets.

        Performance restricted stock units granted in May 2007 will vest, if at all, at the end of the 2009 fiscal year, while those awarded in December 2007 will vest, if at all, at the end of the 2010 fiscal year. Mr. Ghasemi was granted 54,168 and 44,776 performance restricted stock units; Mr. Zatta was granted 11,598 and 9,612 performance restricted stock units; and Mr. Riordan was granted 10,085 and 8,358 performance restricted stock units in the May 2007 and December 2007 awards, respectively.

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        The compensation committee and board of directors believe that these 2007 equity awards strike an appropriate balance by rewarding our named executive officers both for cultivating growth that benefits our stockholders and for their continued service and dedication to our company. We believe that this approach best aligns the interests of our named executive officers with those of our stockholders, and is consistent with current trends in executive compensation as measured by our proxy peer group and survey market data. We therefore intend to continue to make annual equity compensation grants to our named executive officers and other key employees.

        In accordance with our guidelines for stock ownership by our named executive officers, Mr. Ghasemi's ownership of our common stock has a value at least equal to five times his base salary, and Messrs. Zatta and Riordan own an amount at least equal to three times their base salaries. In evaluating stock ownership under these guidelines, the compensation committee includes a named executive officer's shares held and vested options, but excludes items such as unvested options and unvested restricted stock units. As of the March 17, 2008 record date, Mr. Ghasemi owned 261,354 shares of our common stock (including 68,452 restricted stock units awarded pursuant to a November 2001 agreement) and options to purchase 1,200,226 shares of our common stock (830,255 of which are vested); Mr. Zatta owned 43,566 shares of our common stock and options to purchase 260,355 shares of our common stock (180,943 of which are vested); and Mr. Riordan owned 51,338 shares of our common stock and options to purchase 287,406 shares of our common stock (206,210 of which are vested). Our board of directors has approved all purchases of common stock by our named executive officers pursuant to the 2001 and 2004 management equity programs and the corresponding equity grants made pursuant to the 2005 Amended and Restated Stock Purchase and Option Plan.

        No options or other equity compensation were granted to any named executive officers in 2006 and therefore do not account for any portion of their 2006 compensation. For 2007, equity compensation accounted for $986,049, or approximately 19.5% of Mr. Ghasemi's total compensation; $210,814, or approximately 15.7% of Mr. Zatta's total compensation; and $183,313, or approximately 15.6% of Mr. Riordan's total compensation.

        All option grants made under the 2005 Amended and Restated Stock Purchase and Option Plan to date have been made in the form of qualified and non-qualified stock options at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. All options granted after completion of our initial public offering in August 2005 have been made with an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on the grant date.

        The 2007 equity grants were made, and any future equity grants will be made, pursuant to the Policies and Procedures of the Compensation Committee with Respect to Equity Grants, which we refer to as the Policies. Under the Policies, the compensation committee has established a pre-determined schedule for option and other equity grants during certain periods that correspond to "window periods" under our Securities Trading Policy. These window periods begin at the opening of business on the second trading day on the NYSE after the day on which we make a public news release of our quarterly earnings for the prior fiscal quarter, and close on the earlier of (i) 45 calendar days thereafter, or (ii) 75 calendar days after the end of the prior fiscal quarter. The date of grant will generally be the last day of the window period. The exercise price of any stock option must equal the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, which is currently determined by the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on the grant date.

        For stock option grants to newly-hired employees, the compensation committee intends to authorize any such stock option grants at its next meeting following the date of such employee's hiring,

20


and in no event shall a stock option be granted prior to the date of the new hire commencing employment with Rockwood. Stock options will not be granted to any recipient if, at the time the grant would be made, the recipient, or any member of the compensation committee, or any senior executive officer to whom option granting authority has been granted, is in possession of material non-public information about Rockwood.

        We offer our named executive officers and other key employees selected perquisites and general health and welfare benefits. We provide these benefits as an additional incentive for our senior management and to remain competitive in the general marketplace for executive talent. With the assistance of Mercer, the compensation committee has determined that our perquisites and general health and welfare benefits are competitive according to the survey data and in light of the other types of compensation received by the named executive officers.

        Our named executive officers participate in our retirement plans, which include: (i) a defined contribution 401(k) plan, in which we match 50% of an employee's contribution up to a maximum company contribution of 3%; (ii) a profit-sharing plan, in which we annually contribute to each employee's account a discretionary amount (which is the same for all employees participating in the plan) between 0%-4% of such employee's base salary and annual cash bonus; and (iii) a money purchase plan, in which we currently contribute to each employee's account 3% of such employee's annual base salary and annual cash bonus, in each case subject to the Internal Revenue Service's annual compensation limit. We also offer Mr. Riordan and Mr. Zatta participation in a supplemental savings plan in which the participants can defer up to 20% of their annual compensation (base salary and bonus) and in which we match 50% of an employee's contribution up to a maximum contribution of 3% of such person's annual compensation. We also made monthly payments to Mr. Ghasemi in the amount of $48,000 as a supplemental pension benefit pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement. Effective as of January 1, 2008, these monthly payments are $50,000.

        Our named executive officers are also entitled to participate in our health and welfare programs. For our named executive officers, in addition to the plans offered to all employees, we provide an executive medical plan which pays for expenses not covered by our standard health plans. The named executive officers also participate in company-wide life insurance plans, with the Company providing an additional insurance policy for Mr. Ghasemi. In addition, we provide an auto allowance for our named executive officers. For 2007 and 2006, these perquisites and other personal benefits accounted for $682,262 and $678,015, respectively, or approximately 13.5% and 16.3%, respectively, of total compensation for Mr. Ghasemi; $141,896 and $145,660, respectively, or approximately 10.6% and 12.1%, respectively, of total compensation for Mr. Zatta; and $123,606 and $117,951, respectively, or approximately 10.5% and 11.5%, respectively, of total compensation for Mr. Riordan.

        We believe that it is important to provide reasonable severance benefits to senior management both to remain competitive within our industry and in acknowledgement that it may be difficult for these employees to find comparable positions in a short amount of time. Each member of our senior management is entitled to severance payments in the event that he is terminated by us without "cause" or if he terminates employment with Rockwood for "good reason," as defined in their respective employment agreements. For additional information, please also see "Employment and Other Agreements—Severance Payments" beginning on page 30. As is the case with base salaries, Mr. Ghasemi receives a greater severance payment than our other named executive officers due to a number of factors including his substantial experience in the chemical industry, his significant roles and responsibilities, his strategic expertise in driving business growth, and, in addition, the difficulty he may have in finding a similar position in a short period of time.

21

        Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally allows a deduction to publicly traded companies for particular qualifying performance based compensation. Section 162(m) disallows a deduction to the extent particular non-performance based compensation over $1 million paid to the chief executive officer or any of the four other most highly compensated executive officers. Because Rockwood became publicly traded in 2005, Rockwood believes that its Short-Term Incentive Plan is exempt from Section 162(m) until its 2009 annual stockholders meeting under relief provided to companies that become publicly held in connection with an initial public offering. In addition, Rockwood believes the Short-Term Incentive Plan satisfies the requirements for exemption under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) as a performance based plan. To maintain flexibility in compensating executive officers in a manner consistent with its goals, the compensation committee has not adopted a policy that all compensation must be deductible. The compensation committee will continue to monitor this matter.

Summary Compensation Table

        The following table provides summary information concerning compensation paid or accrued by us to or on behalf of our named executive officers at December 31, 2007, for services rendered to us during the fiscal years 2007 and 2006.

Name and Principal
Position
   Year
   Salary
($)
   Bonus
($)(1)
   Stock
Award
($)(2)
   Option
Award
($)(3)
   Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(4)
   Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)(5)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
   Total
($)
Seifi Ghasemi,
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer		   2007
2006		   $
$		 1,250,000
1,250,000		     —
—		   $
 531,994
—		   $
 454,055
—		   $
$		 2,134,882
2,221,533		     —
—		   $
$		 682,262
678,015		 (6)
(6)		 $
$		 5,053,193
4,149,548

Robert J. Zatta,
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
 
2007
2006
 
$
$
457,500
445,000
 

$
—
60,000
 
$
113,906
—
 
$
96,908
—
 
$
$
523,758
533,168
 
$
$
9,916
16,789
 
$
$
141,896
145,660
(7)
(7)
$
$
1,343,884
1,200,617

Thomas J. Riordan,
Senior Vice President,
Law & Administration
 
2007
2006
 
$
$
391,250
358,750
 

$
—
60,000
 
$
99,047
—
 
$
84,266
—
 
$
$
455,442
432,459
 
$
$
22,344
58,141
 
$
$
123,606
117,951
(8)
(8)
$
$
1,175,955
1,027,301
(1)
Discretionary bonus awarded to each of Mr. Zatta and Mr. Riordan based on their individual qualitative performance in 2006, in particular, their efforts in divesting the Groupe Novasep business, the proceeds of which were used to redeem all of our outstanding senior subordinated notes due 2011.

(2)
Represents compensation expense recorded in our financial statements for 2007 in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123(R) for performance restricted stock unit awards granted in May 2007. On May 16, 2007, we granted 54,168, 11,598 and 10,085 performance restricted stock units to Messrs. Ghasemi, Zatta and Riordan, respectively. Please see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis—"2007 Equity Compensation Program—Performance Restricted Stock Units" on page 21 for additional information on these performance restricted stock units, including vesting requirements. Assumptions used in determining the SFAS No. 123(R) values can be found in Rockwood's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in footnote 3, Stock-based Compensation—Restricted Stock.

In December 2007, the Company awarded 44,776, 9,612 and 8,358 performance restricted stock

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(3)
Represents compensation expense recorded in our financial statements for 2007 in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R) for stock option awards granted in May and December 2007. On May 16, 2007, we granted options to purchase 124,068, 26,564 and 23,099 shares of our common stock to Messrs. Ghasemi, Zatta and Riordan, respectively. On December 14, 2007, we granted options to purchase 143,513, 28,438 and 24,728 shares of our common stock to Messrs. Ghasemi, Zatta and Riordan, respectively. Please see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis—"2007 Equity Compensation Program—Stock Options" on page 19 for additional information on these options, including vesting requirements. Assumptions used in determining the SFAS No. 123(R) values can be found in Rockwood's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in footnote 3, Stock-based Compensation—Stock Options.

(4)
Cash awards granted under the Short-Term Incentive Plan.

(5)
Interest earned on contributions into a non-qualified supplemental savings plan.

(6)
Reflects the following:

•
Monthly payments of $48,000 totaling $576,000 for each of 2007 and 2006 in lieu of contributions into his non-qualified supplemental pension pursuant to the terms of Mr. Ghasemi's amended employment agreement;

•
Auto allowance of $41,531 and $19,061 for 2007 and 2006, respectively;

•
Basic and executive medical premiums of $9,033 for each of 2007 and 2006 and company-paid medical claims of $103 and $11,206 for 2007 and 2006, respectively;

•
Company provided life insurance with premiums of $18,636 for each of 2007 and 2006;

•
Company contributions into qualified plans of (x) $7,750 and $7,500 into a 401(k) plan for 2007 and 2006, respectively, (y) $6,750 and $6,600 into a money purchase plan for 2007 and 2006, respectively, and (z) $6,750 and $6,600 into a profit-sharing plan for 2007 and 2006, respectively; and

•
Tax gross-up reimbursements totaling $15,709 and $23,379 on auto allowance and life insurance premiums for 2007 and 2006, respectively.

(7)
Reflects the following:

•
Auto allowance of $17,284 and $17,109 for 2007 and 2006, respectively;

•
Basic and executive medical premiums of $13,448 for each of 2007 and 2006 and company-paid medical claims of $3,811 and $14,353 for 2007 and 2006, respectively;

•
Company provided life insurance with premiums of $2,838 for each of 2007 and 2006;

•
Company contributions into qualified plans of (x) $7,750 and $6,300 into a 401(k) plan for 2007 and 2006, respectively, (y) $6,750 and $6,600 into a money purchase plan for 2007 and 2006, respectively, and (z) $6,750 and $6,600 into a profit-sharing plan for 2007 and 2006, respectively;

•
Company contribution of $73,310 and $68,634 into a non-qualified supplemental savings plan for 2007 and 2006, respectively; and

23

(8)
Reflects the following:

•
Auto allowance of $18,249 and $18,274 for 2007 and 2006, respectively;

•
Basic and executive medical premiums of $13,448 for each of 2007 and 2006 and company-paid medical claims of $24 and $2,327 for 2007 and 2006, respectively;

•
Company provided life insurance with premiums of $2,838 for each of 2007 and 2006;

•
Company contributions into qualified plans of (x) $7,750 and $6,300 into a 401(k) plan for 2007 and 2006, respectively, (y) $6,750 and $6,600 into a money purchase plan for 2007 and 2006, respectively, and (z) $6,750 and $6,600 into a profit-sharing plan for 2007 and 2006, respectively;

•
Company contribution of $58,284 and $52,221 into a non-qualified supplemental savings plan for 2007 and 2006, respectively; and

•
Tax gross-up reimbursements totaling $9,513 and $9,343 on auto allowance and life insurance premiums for 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

        The following table provides supplemental information relating to grants of plan-based awards to help explain information provided above in our Summary Compensation Table.

 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   All
Other Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)
   All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)(2)
    
    
  
 
    
   Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
   Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(1)
    
    
  
 
    
   Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option Awards
($/Sh)
    
  
 
    
   Grant Date
Fair Value of
Stock and
Option Awards(3)
  
Name
   Grant Date
   Threshold
($)
   Target
($)
   Maximum
($)
   Threshold
(#)
   Target
(#)
   Maximum
(#)
  
Seifi Ghasemi   05/16/07                   54,168   108,336       124,068   31.73   $ 3,538,331 (4)
    12/14/07                               143,513   32.39   $ 1,455,222 (7)
Robert J. Zatta   05/16/07                   11,598   23,196       26,564   31.73   $ 757,594 (5)
    12/14/07                               28,438   32.39   $ 288,361 (7)
Thomas J. Riordan   05/16/07                   10,085   20,170       23,099   31.73   $ 658,766 (6)
    12/14/07                               24,728   32.39   $ 250,742 (7)
(1)
We granted performance restricted stock units to our named executive officers in May 2007. For additional information relating to our performance restricted stock units, please see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis—"2007 Equity Compensation Program—Performance Restricted Stock Units" on page 19 and "Employment and Other Agreements—Change in Control" beginning on page 32.

In December 2007, the Company awarded 44,776, 9,612 and 8,358 performance restricted stock units to Messrs. Ghasemi, Zatta and Riordan, respectively. However, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123(R), the Company did not recognize any compensation cost in 2007 for this issuance because the performance measures that will form the basis for vesting of these restricted stock units were not known as of December 31, 2007. These performance measures were not set until the audit of the Company's financial statements for 2007 was complete, which did not occur until February 2008.

(2)
We granted stock options to our named executive officers in May 2007 and December 2007. For additional information relating to our 2007 stock option grant, please see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis "2007 Equity Compensation Program—Stock Options" on page 19 and "Employment and Other Agreements—Change in Control" beginning on page 32.

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(3)
Assumptions used in determining the SFAS No. 123(R) values can be found in Rockwood's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in footnote 3, "Stock-based Compensation—Restricted Stock" and "—Stock Options".

(4)
Represents the grant date fair value of $2,234,376 for the performance restricted stock unit award and $1,303,955 for the stock option award both computed in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R).

(5)
Represents the grant date fair value of $478,406 for the performance restricted stock unit award and $279,188 for the stock option award both computed in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R).

(6)
Represents the grant date fair value of $415,996 for the performance restricted stock unit award and $242,770 for the stock option award both computed in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R).

(7)
Represents the grant date fair value of the stock option award computed in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R).

Director Compensation

        Effective as of July 1, 2007, we compensate our directors as follows:

Position
   Annual Compensation—
Independent Directors
   Annual Compensation—
Non-Independent Directors
Board Member        
  Cash   $60,000   $75,000
  Equity   2,000 shares of our common
stock (500 shares per quarter)		   N/A
Audit Committee Chairperson   $25,000   N/A
Audit Committee Member   $10,000   N/A
Compensation Committee Chairperson   $12,500   N/A
Compensation Committee Member     $5,000   $5,000
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Chairperson   $10,000   N/A
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Member     $5,000   $5,000

        Prior to July 1, 2007, we paid each non-management director, whether independent or non-independent, an annual retainer of $75,000. In 2007, our compensation committee retained Mercer to assist the compensation committee in evaluating the compensation of our independent directors against the same peer group utilized in Mercer's study of our executive compensation program. Mercer's evaluation found that our lack of an annual equity award for our independent directors resulted in our total independent director compensation falling below the 25th percentile of the peer group. In addition, the study showed that general market practice is to provide independent directors with a total compensation package that is split approximately equally between cash and equity compensation. Based on these findings, the compensation committee decided to decrease the cash portion of the independent directors' compensation and provide a quarterly grant of 500 shares of our common stock to such directors. We also decided to compensate the chairperson and each member of the compensation committee and corporate governance and nominating committee primarily due to the substantial responsibilities of directors serving on these committees. The committee believes that the mix of cash-based and equity-based independent director compensation best serves Rockwood because it aligns the interests of our independent directors with stockholders and allows us to be competitive in a tight market for the services of qualified independent directors. Because our non-independent directors already have a substantial interest in our financial performance as a result of their stock ownership, the committee decided to leave their compensation unchanged.

25

        In addition to the fees listed above, we also grant independent directors stock options when they join the board of directors, subject to our policies and procedures for option grants. In 2007, we granted options to purchase 7,878 shares of our common stock to Mr. Masters at fair market value, which was $31.73 per share on the date of the grant. We also reimburse our directors for travel, education and other expenses incurred in connection with service on the board.

        The following table provides summary information concerning compensation paid or accrued by us to or on behalf of our non-employee directors, as of December 31, 2007, for services rendered to us during the last fiscal year. Our chief executive officer is not separately compensated for his service on the board of directors.

Director Compensation

Name
(a)
   Fees Earned or
Paid in cash
($)
(b)
   Stock
Award
($)
(c)
   Option
Award
($)
(d)(12)
   Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
(e)
   Change in
Pension Value
and Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
(f)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
(g)
   Total
($)
(h)
Brian F. Carroll   $ 80,000 (1)   —     —   —   —   —   $ 80,000
Sheldon Erikson   $ 80,000 (2) $ 32,390 (8) $ 33,333 (9) —   —   —   $ 145,723
Todd A. Fisher   $ 80,000 (1)   —     —   —   —   —   $ 80,000
Perry Golkin   $ 75,000 (3)   —     —   —   —   —   $ 75,000
Douglas Maine   $ 92,500 (4) $ 32,390 (8) $ 34,708 (9) —   —   —   $ 159,598
J. Kent Masters   $ 46,058 (5) $ 32,390 (8) $ 20,302 (10)             $ 98,750
Cynthia Niekamp   $ 83,750 (6) $ 32,390 (8) $ 32,586 (11) —   —   —   $ 148,726
Susan Schnabel   $ 80,000 (7)   —     —   —   —   —   $ 80,000
(1)
Represents (i) $75,000 annual retainer for service on the board of directors in 2007, (ii) pro-rated $2,500 annual retainer for service as a member of the compensation committee during the second half of 2007, and (iii) pro-rated $2,500 annual retainer for service as a member of the corporate governance and nominating committee during the second half of 2007. Members of the compensation committee and corporate governance and nominating committee were not compensated for service prior to July 1, 2007.

(2)
Represents (i) pro-rated $37,500 annual retainer for service on the board of directors during the first half of 2007, (ii) pro-rated $30,000 annual retainer for service on the board of directors during the second half of 2007, (iii) pro-rated $6,250 annual retainer for service on the audit committee during the first half of 2007, and (iv) pro-rated $6,250 annual retainer for service as chairperson of the compensation committee during the second half of 2007. The chairperson of the compensation committee was not compensated for service prior to July 1, 2007.

(3)
Represents $75,000 annual retainer for service on the board of directors in 2007.

(4)
Represents (i) pro-rated $37,500 annual retainer for service on the board of directors during the first half of 2007, (ii) pro-rated $30,000 annual retainer for service on the board of directors during the second half of 2007, and (iii) $25,000 annual retainer for service as chairperson of the audit committee in 2007.

(5)
Represents (i) pro-rated $9,478 annual retainer for service on the board of directors during the first half of 2007, (ii) pro-rated $30,000 annual retainer for service on the board of directors during

26

(6)
Represents (i) pro-rated $37,500 annual retainer for service on the board of directors during the first half of 2007, (ii) pro-rated $30,000 annual retainer for service on the board of directors during the second half of 2007, (iii) pro-rated $6,250 annual retainer for service on the audit committee during the first half of 2007, (iv) pro-rated $5,000 annual retainer for service on the audit committee during the second half of 2007, and (v) pro-rated $5,000 annual retainer for service as chairperson of the corporate governance and nominating committee during the second half of 2007. The chairperson of the corporate governance and nominating committee was not compensated for service prior to July 1, 2007.

(7)
Represents (i) $75,000 annual retainer for service on the board of directors in 2007, (ii) pro-rated $2,500 annual retainer for service as a member of the compensation committee during the second half of 2007, and (iii) pro-rated $2,500 annual retainer for service as a member of the corporate governance and nominating committee during the second half of 2007 paid to DLJMB. Ms. Schnabel does not personally receive any compensation from Rockwood for service on the board of directors.

(8)
Represents compensation expense recorded in our financial statements for 2007 in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123(R) for a quarterly grant of 500 shares of our common stock for each of the third and fourth quarters of 2007, made in December 2007. The closing price of our common stock on the date of grant, December 14, 2007, was $32.39. Assumptions used in determining the SFAS No. 123(R) values can be found in Rockwood's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in footnote 3, "Stock-based Compensation—Board of Directors Stock Grant".

(9)
Represents compensation expense recorded in our financial statements for 2007 in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R) for stock option awards granted in 2005. We granted options to purchase 12,500 shares of our common stock to Messrs. Maine and Erikson on August 1, 2005 and November 10, 2005, respectively, at fair market value, which, on the date of grant, was $20.00 per share for Mr. Maine and $18.90 per share for Mr. Erikson. These options vest in three equal installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. For each of Messrs. Erikson and Maine, the aggregate number of option awards outstanding as of December 31, 2007 was 12,500 shares of our common stock.

(10)
Represents compensation expense recorded in our financial statements for 2007 in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R) for stock options granted to Mr. Masters in 2007. We granted options to purchase 7,878 shares of our common stock to Mr. Masters on May 16, 2007 at fair market value, which on the date of grant was $31.73 per share. These options vest in three equal installments beginning on May 16, 2008. For Mr. Masters, the aggregate number of option awards outstanding as of December 31, 2007 was 7,878 shares of our common stock.

(11)
Represents compensation expense recorded in our financial statements for 2007 in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R) for stock options granted to Ms. Niekamp in 2006. We granted options to purchase 10,557 shares of our common stock to Ms. Niekamp on March 15, 2006 at fair market value, which on the date of grant was $23.68 per share. These options vest in three equal installments beginning on March 15, 2007. For Ms. Niekamp, the aggregate number of option awards outstanding as of December 31, 2007 was 10,577 shares of our common stock.

(12)
Assumptions used in determining the SFAS No. 123(R) values can be found in Rockwood's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in footnote 3, "Stock-based Compensation—Stock Options".

27

Equity Compensation Plan Information

        The following table provides information as of December 31, 2007 with respect to our compensation plan (including individual compensation arrangements) under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance:

Plan Category
   Number of
securities to be
issued upon exercise
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights(1)
   Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
   Number of
securities remaining
available for future
issuance under
the equity
compensation plan
(excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))
Equity compensation plan approved by stockholders(2)   6,151,327   $ 16.50   2,966,043
(1)
Includes an aggregate of 393,159 shares of common stock underlying performance restricted stock units. The amount of shares included represents a targeted amount of shares to be issued upon vesting of the performance restricted stock units. The number of shares actually awarded at the time of vesting may range from zero to double the targeted amount based upon the achievement or failure to achieve certain annualized growth targets over a three year period. For a further discussion of these performance restricted stock units, please see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis—"2007 Equity Compensation Program—Performance Restricted Stock Units" on page 19.

(2)
Rockwood does not have any equity compensation plans that have not been approved by stockholders.

Employment and Other Agreements

        We entered into an employment agreement, dated as of September 28, 2001, as amended as of August 9, 2004 and September 24, 2004, with Mr. Ghasemi pursuant to which he is serving as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The agreement automatically renews for successive one-year periods, unless either party gives 60 days advance written notice not to renew the term of the agreement prior to any such extension date. Either party may terminate the agreement at any time; however, Mr. Ghasemi must give at least 180 days advance written notice to terminate his employment (other than in connection with his notice not to renew the terms of the employment agreement described above).

        The agreement, as amended, provides Mr. Ghasemi with an annual base salary of $1,250,000 effective August 1, 2004, and a target annual bonus award equal to 125% of his base salary (subject to our achievement of specified performance targets), both of which may be increased in the discretion of our board of directors. Mr. Ghasemi's target annual bonus award for 2007 was 150% of his base salary and in 2008 his base salary is $1,300,000.

        Pursuant to the August 9, 2004 amendment, Mr. Ghasemi's supplemental executive retirement plan, or SERP, and the related rabbi trust, were terminated and the assets were distributed to him. We will continue to make payments of $50,000 per month to Mr. Ghasemi (increased from $48,000 per month as of January 1, 2008) as a supplemental pension benefit. In addition, in connection with the termination of the SERP, Mr. Ghasemi was granted at that time a special one-time payment of $200,000.

        In the original agreement Mr. Ghasemi agreed to purchase a certain number of shares of our common stock, and in connection therewith, received a grant of 68,452 restricted stock units (payable

28


in shares of our common stock) which vested in equal quarterly installments over a three-year period and a grant of time options to purchase a certain number of shares of our common stock which vested over a five-year period. Except in the event of a sale of shares of our common stock by affiliates of KKR giving rise to tag-along or drag-along rights under Mr. Ghasemi's amended and restated sale participation agreement, the shares of common stock underlying vested restricted stock units are issuable upon the later of (1) the date such shares can be sold in the public market without restriction on transfer and (2) the termination of Mr. Ghasemi's employment. Pursuant to the agreement governing the restricted stock units, if a cash dividend is paid on the outstanding shares of common stock, Mr. Ghasemi will receive, at the time he becomes entitled to receive the shares of our common stock underlying the restricted stock units, an additional number of shares of our common stock equal to the quotient of (a) the product of the amount of the dividend paid with respect to one share of our common stock multiplied by the number of vested restricted stock units then held by Mr. Ghasemi (plus any number of shares of our common stock previously calculated in respect of any other cash dividend) divided by (b) the fair value per share of our common stock at the time the dividend is paid. The number of shares of our common stock issuable is subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend, split, combination, recapitalization, change of control or other similar event.

        On September 24, 2004, Mr. Ghasemi agreed pursuant to the amended and restated management stockholder's agreement to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock, and in connection therewith, was granted time/performance options to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock. The time options vest over a five-year period ending September 24, 2009 as to 40% of the shares of our common stock underlying the options. The performance options vest, as to the remaining 60%, over a five-year period ending December 31, 2009 to the extent certain performance targets are achieved, or on the eighth anniversary of the grant date (September 24, 2012) if such options have not otherwise vested by that time. At the same time, Mr. Ghasemi was granted time options to purchase a specified number of shares of our common stock, which vested over a period ending January 1, 2008. Please see "Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End" on page 35 for a description of outstanding equity awards made to Mr. Ghasemi and "Change in Control" below for a description of the vesting of such awards in the event of a change in control of Rockwood.

        Mr. Ghasemi's employment agreement also provides that if his employment is terminated by us without "cause" (which includes our nonrenewal of the term of the employment agreement as described above), or if he resigns for "good reason," he will be entitled to receive severance payments and benefits as described below under "Severance Payments." Mr. Ghasemi's employment agreement also contains certain restrictive covenants relating to confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation.

        We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Zatta, dated as of March 21, 2001, as amended as of October 19, 2004, pursuant to which he is serving as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The agreement provides for an annual base salary, subject to potential increase on an annual basis, a signing bonus, a company automobile and entitles him to participate in our health, welfare, retirement and bonus programs.

        Mr. Zatta's employment agreement may be terminated upon twelve months' prior written notice by us or six months' prior written notice by Mr. Zatta. Mr. Zatta's employment agreement also provides that if his employment is involuntarily terminated, other than for "cause," as defined in the agreement, or he resigns with "good reason," as defined in the agreement, he will be entitled to receive severance payments and benefits as described below under "Severance Payments."

        Under his employment agreement, Mr. Zatta was entitled to purchase shares of our common stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of the management stockholder's agreement, which he did.

29


In connection with that purchase, he was granted time/performance options to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock. In October 2004, Mr. Zatta was granted the right to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock, which he did. In connection with that additional purchase, he was granted time/performance options and performance options to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of the amended and restated management stockholder's agreement. Please see "Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End" on page 35 for a description of outstanding equity awards made to Mr. Zatta and "Change in Control" below for a description of the vesting of such awards in the event of a change in control of Rockwood.

        Mr. Zatta's employment agreement also contains certain restrictive covenants relating to confidentiality and non-competition.

        We have entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Riordan, dated October 13, 1994, pursuant to which he is serving as our Senior Vice President, Law & Administration. The employment agreement provides for base monthly salary, subject to potential increase on an annual basis, a company automobile, and entitles him to participate in our health, welfare, retirement and bonus programs.

        Mr. Riordan's employment agreement may be terminated upon twelve months' prior written notice by us or six months' prior written notice by Mr. Riordan. Mr. Riordan's employment agreement also provides that if his employment is involuntarily terminated, other than for "cause," as defined in the agreement, or he resigns with "good reason," as defined in the agreement, he will be entitled to receive severance payments and benefits as described below under "Severance Payments."

        Mr. Riordan's employment agreement contains provisions relating to confidential information and covenants not to compete for a period of one year in the event we continue to pay current salary and benefits for that period.

        Under the management stockholder's agreement Mr. Riordan entered into in 2001, he purchased shares of our common stock. In connection with that purchase, he was granted time/performance options to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock. In October 2004, Mr. Riordan was granted the right to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock, which he did. In connection with that additional purchase, he was granted time/performance options and performance options to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of the amended and restated management stockholder's agreement. Please see "Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End" on page 35 for a description of outstanding equity awards made to Mr. Riordan and "Change in Control" below for a description of the vesting of such awards in the event of a change in control of Rockwood.

        Each member of our senior management is entitled to severance payments in the event that he is terminated by us without "cause" or if he terminates employment with Rockwood for "good reason," as defined in their respective employment agreements.

        If our chairman and chief executive officer is terminated without "cause" or if he terminates employment for "good reason," he is entitled to receive:

30

        Based on a hypothetical termination date of December 31, 2007, the severance benefits for Mr. Ghasemi if he were terminated without "cause" or resigned for "good reason" would have been any accrued and unpaid compensation and supplemental pension benefit as of such date plus:

Base Salary   $ 2,500,000 (1)
Bonus   $ 4,356,415 (2)
Supplemental Benefit Contributions   $ 576,000 (3)
Total   $ 7,432,415  
(1)
Represents an amount equal to two times Mr. Ghasemi's 2007 base salary of $1,250,000

(2)
Represents an amount equal to two times the average of the bonuses awarded to Mr. Ghasemi for 2007 and 2006, which were $2,134,882 and $2,221,533, respectively.

(3)
Represents twelve monthly supplemental pension benefit contributions of $48,000 each.

        In addition, if Mr. Ghasemi's employment with us is terminated due to his death or disability, he or his estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive any accrued and unpaid salary and supplemental pension benefit as of such date, plus a lump sum pro rata portion of his annual bonus, if any, that he would have been entitled to receive based upon the achievement of the performance criteria for the year in which his employment is terminated. Based on a hypothetical termination date of December 31, 2007, the severance benefits for Mr. Ghasemi if his employment with us terminated due to his death or disability would have been any accrued and unpaid salary and supplemental pension benefit as of such date plus his 2007 annual bonus of $2,134,882.

        If Mr. Zatta or Mr. Riordan is terminated without "cause" or if either one terminates employment for "good cause," each is entitled to receive:

31

        Based on a hypothetical termination date of December 31, 2007, the severance benefits for Mr. Zatta and Mr. Riordan if either were terminated without "cause" or resigned for "good reason" would have been as follows:

 
   Mr. Zatta
   Mr. Riordan
  
Lump Sum Payment   $ 114,375   $ 97,812  
Company Car   $ 17,284   $ 18,249  
Severance Payment   $ 70,385 (1) $ 210,673 (2)
Extension of Employment Payment   $ 114,375 (3) $ 97,812  
Health Care Coverage(4)   $ 13,631   $ 18,836  
   
 
 
  Total(5)   $ 330,050   $ 443,382  
(1)
Based on 2007 salary and six full years of service to Rockwood at the time of hypothetical termination.

(2)
Based on 2007 salary and eighteen full years of service to Rockwood or its predecessor at the time of hypothetical termination. (Mr. Riordan is awarded credit for his employment with Laporte plc, from which certain specialty chemicals business lines were acquired in November 2000 to form Rockwood.)

(3)
Assumes that Mr. Zatta is asked and agrees to work for a period of three months or longer from the effective date of the notice of termination.

(4)
Assumes continuation of health care coverage for one year from the effective date of termination.

(5)
Does not include any amounts payable by us in lieu of any applicable termination notice periods.

        Although Mr. Ghasemi's employment agreement defines "cause" and "good reason" in a slightly different manner than Mr. Zatta's and Mr. Riordan's agreements, "cause" generally means an employee's willful and continued failure or refusal to perform his duties, or any act of fraud, embezzlement or theft on his part against Rockwood. In addition, Mr. Ghasemi's employment agreement defines "cause" to include our nonrenewal of the term of his employment agreement. "Good reason" or "good cause" will generally exist if the officer's (1) responsibilities or compensation has been reduced, (2) benefits have been materially reduced, or (3) primary workplace has been moved beyond a defined distance from its current location.

        Our named executive officer's option and performance restricted stock unit award agreements generally define a change in control of Rockwood as (i) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Rockwood to an entity unaffiliated with KKR, (ii) a sale by KKR or any of its affiliates resulting in more than 50% of the voting stock of Rockwood being held by an entity that does not include KKR or any of its affiliates, or (iii) a merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization of Rockwood with or into another entity unaffiliated with KKR, in each case, if and only if, as a result of any of the foregoing events, KKR loses the ability, without the approval of any unaffiliated entity, to elect a majority of our board of directors or resulting entity. Based on a hypothetical change in control date of December 31, 2007, the following options would become exercisable by, and the performance restricted stock units converted into the right to receive a cash payment to, the named executive officers immediately prior to a change in control of Rockwood. The table does not include any options or performance restricted stock units that would have vested prior to the change in control in accordance with their terms.

32

Name
   Number of Securities Underlying Time Options Vesting Upon a Change in Control
   Value
($)
   Number of Securities Underlying Performance Options Vesting Upon a Change in Control
   Value
($)(7)
   Number of Securities Underlying Performance Restricted Stock Units Vesting Upon a Change in Control (9)
   Value
($)(10)
   Total Value of Equity Awards Vesting Upon a Change in Control
Seifi Ghasemi   82,141(1)
82,712(1)
71,757(4)		   $
$
$		 1,528,644
123,241
66,734		 (2)
(3)
(5)		 61,605(6)   $ 1,146,469   54,168

44,776		   $
$		 1,799,461
1,487,459		   $ 6,152,008

Robert J. Zatta
 
  9,582(1)
17,708(1)
14,219(4)
 
$
$
$
178,321
26,385
13,224
(2)
(3)
(5)
11,089(6)
12,595(8)
 
$
$
234,393
206,366
 
11,598
  9,612
 
$
$
385,286
319,311
 
$
1,363,286

Thomas J. Riordan
 
13,690(1)
15,398(1)
12,364(4)
 
$
$
$
254,771
22,943
11,499
(2)
(3)
(5)
13,690(6)
13,690(8)
 
$
$
254,770
254,770
 
10,085
  8,358
 
$
$
335,024
277,653
 
$
1,411,430
(1)
In the event of a change in control of Rockwood, these time options will become exercisable as to 100% of the shares of common stock underlying such options immediately prior to the change in control (but only to the extent such options have not otherwise terminated or become exercisable).

(2)
Based on the difference between the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2007 on the New York Stock Exchange of $33.22 and an exercise price for these time options of $14.61, multiplied by the number of securities underlying the options that would vest upon a change in control.

(3)
Based on the difference between the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2007 on the New York Stock Exchange of $33.22 and an exercise price for these time options of $31.73, multiplied by the number of securities underlying the options that would vest upon a change in control.

(4)
Because the hypothetical change in control event would occur within six months of the date of grant of these time options (December 14, 2007), these options will become exercisable only as to 50% of the shares of common stock underlying such options immediately prior to the change in control (but only to the extent such options have not otherwise terminated or become exercisable) and only if the employee is terminated within six months of the date of grant. This table assumes that such a termination occurred simultaneously with the change in control.

(5)
Based on the difference between the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2007 on the New York Stock Exchange of $33.22 and an exercise price for these time options of $32.29, multiplied by the number of securities underlying the options that would vest upon a change in control.

(6)
In the event of a change in control of Rockwood, these performance options will become exercisable as to 100% of the shares of common stock underlying such options immediately prior to the change in control if: (i) the performance targets for all fiscal years prior to the change in control have been met, and (ii) the board of directors determines, in its good faith discretion, that as of the date of the change in control, the performance targets would, if not for the change in control, have been met for the fiscal year in which the change in control occurs (but, in each case, only to the extent such options have not otherwise terminated). In the event that the performance targets for any completed fiscal year prior to the change in control have not been met, or the board determines that the targets would not have been met for the year in which the change in control occurs, as the case may be, the number of shares underlying the performance options that would become exercisable immediately prior to the change in control is reduced according to a pre-determined formula. In addition, these options may become immediately exercisable in the event of a change in control if the board of directors determines, in its good faith discretion based

33

(7)
Based on the difference between the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2007 on the New York Stock Exchange of $33.22 and an exercise price for these performance options of $14.61, multiplied by the number of securities underlying the options that would vest upon a change in control.

(8)
In the event of a change in control of Rockwood, these performance options will become exercisable as to 100% of the shares of common stock underlying such options immediately prior to the change in control if: (i) the performance targets for all fiscal years prior to the change in control have been met, and (ii) the board of directors determines, in its good faith discretion, that as of the date of the change in control, the performance targets would, if not for the change in control, have been met for the fiscal year in which the change in control occurs (but, in each case, only to the extent such options have not otherwise terminated). In the event that the performance targets for any completed fiscal year prior to the change in control have not been met, or the board determines that the targets would not have been met for the year in which the change in control occurs, as the case may be, the number of shares underlying the performance options that would become exercisable immediately prior to the change in control is reduced according to a pre-determined formula. This table assumes that these performance options would have become immediately exercisable upon a change in control on December 31, 2007 due to Rockwood's achievement of the performance targets for 2007 and all applicable prior years, which is in fact the case.

(9)
In the event of a change in control of Rockwood, these performance restricted stock units generally become vested and converted into the right to receive a cash payment based on the price per share paid in the change in control of Rockwood multiplied by the number of securities underlying the performance restricted stock units, with such payments to be made no earlier than the third anniversary of the grant date of the awards. Each performance restricted stock unit represents the right to receive one share of common stock. In the event of a termination of the employee's employment without cause by Rockwood or a resignation by the employee for good reason on or after a change in control, but prior to the third anniversary of the date of grant of the awards, the cash payment will be accelerated to the date of termination. However, in the event that the employee's employment is terminated by Rockwood for cause or the employee resigns (other than due to the employee's death, disability, retirement or good reason), the employee forfeits any payout. This table assumes that the employee is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason simultaneously with the change in control.

(10)
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2007 on the New York Stock Exchange of $33.22, multiplied by the number of securities underlying the performance restricted stock units that would become vested and converted into the right to receive to a cash payment. Because the price per share that would be paid in the event of a change in control of Rockwood is indeterminable, we have chosen the December 31, 2007 closing price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for purposes of this calculation.

        We believe our arrangements are reasonable in light of the fact that cash severance is limited to two years for Mr. Ghasemi and a maximum of twelve months for Mr. Zatta and Mr. Riordan. Further, there is no severance increase as a result of a change in control of Rockwood.

34

        The following table provides information regarding outstanding equity awards made to our named executive officers as of December 31, 2007.

Name
   Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options ($) Exercisable
   Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexersisable
   Equity Incentive Plan Award Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options
(#)
   Option Exercise Price
($)
   Option Expiration Date
   Number of Shares of Stock That Have Not Vested
($)
   Market Value of Shares of Units of Stock That Have Not Vested
($)
   Equity Incentive Plan Awards Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other rights That Have Not Vested
($)
   Equity Incentive Plan Awards; Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units of other Rights That Have Not Vested
($)
  
Seifi Ghasemi   410,707
123,212
246,424
8,556
41,356		 (1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(9)
82,141


82,712

143,513
(2)


(9)

(11)

61,605

(3)		 $





 14.61
14.61
14.61
14.61
31.73

32.39		   11/01/2011
9/24/2014
9/24/2014
9/24/2014
5/16/2014

12/14/2014		   —   —   —




54,168

44,776




(10)

(12)




$

$		 —




1,799,461

1,487,459




(13)

(13)

Robert J. Zatta
 
62,977
50,380
14,375
44,355
8,856
(1)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(9)


9,582

17,708

28,438


(6)

(9)

(11)

12,595

11,089

(5)

(7)
 
14.61
14.61
14.61
14.61
31.73

32.39
 
9/15/2011
9/15/2011
10/15/2014
10/15/2014
5/16/2014

12/14/2014
 
—
 
—
 
—




11,598

9,612





(10)

(12)





$

$
—




385,286

319,311





(13)

(13)

Thomas J. Riordan
 
68,452
54,761
20,535
54,761
7,701
(1)
(8)
(6)
(7)
(9)


13,690

15,398

24,728


(6)

(9)

(11)

13,690

13,690

(8)

(7)
 
14.61
14.61
14.61
14.61
31.73

32.39
 
2/2/2011
2/2/2011
10/15/2014
10/15/2014
5/16/2014

12/14/2014
 
—
 
—
 
—




10,085

8,358





(10)

(12)





$

$
—




335,024

277,653





(13)

(13)
(1)
These time options were granted to (i) Mr. Ghasemi on November 1, 2001, (ii) Mr. Zatta on September 15, 2001, and (iii) Mr. Riordan on February 2, 2001 and vested and became exercisable by the holder as follows: 10% in year one, 10% in year two, 25% in year three, 25% in year four and 30% in year five. These options expire on the tenth anniversary of their grant date if not otherwise forfeited or terminated prior thereto.

(2)
These time options were granted on September 24, 2004 and vest and become exercisable by the holder in installments of 20% on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date. These options expire on the tenth anniversary of their grant date if not otherwise forfeited or terminated prior thereto.

(3)
These performance options were granted on September 24, 2004 and become exercisable as to 20% of the total performance options on December 31 of each year beginning with 2004 to the extent that we achieve specified performance targets. In the event that performance targets are not achieved in any given fiscal year but the targets are achieved in a subsequent year, the performance option will become exercisable as to the previously unexercisable percentage of the performance options from the missed years, as well as with respect to the percentage of the performance options in respect of the fiscal year in which the performance targets are achieved. Regardless of whether the specified performance targets are met, the performance options will vest and become exercisable as to 100% of the options granted on the eighth anniversary of the grant

35

(4)
These time options were granted on September 24, 2004 and vested and became exercisable by the holder in installments of 20% each on January 1 of each year beginning in 2004. The vested options shown for this grant include those options which vested on January 1, 2008. These options expire on the tenth anniversary of their grant date if not otherwise forfeited or terminated prior thereto.

(5)
These performance options were granted on September 15, 2001 and become exercisable as to 20% of the total performance options on December 31 of each year beginning with 2004 to the extent that we achieve specified performance targets. In the event that performance targets are not achieved in any given fiscal year but the targets are achieved in a subsequent year, the performance option will become exercisable as to the previously unexercisable percentage of the performance options from the missed years, as well as with respect to the percentage of the performance options in respect of the fiscal year in which the performance targets are achieved. The Company amended the original performance targets in July 2004 in connection with the acquisition of the Dynamit Nobel businesses. Prior to this time, no portion of these performance options had vested. Therefore, although the performance options were granted in September 2001, they did not begin to vest until December 31, 2004. Regardless of whether the specified performance targets are met, the performance options will vest and become exercisable as to 100% of the options granted on the eighth anniversary of the grant date. These options expire on the tenth anniversary of their grant date if not otherwise forfeited or terminated prior thereto.

(6)
These time options were granted on October 15, 2004 and vest and become exercisable by the holder in installments of 20% on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date. These options expire on the tenth anniversary of their grant date if not otherwise forfeited or terminated prior thereto.

(7)
These performance options were granted on October 15, 2004 and become exercisable as to 20% of the total performance options on December 31 of each year beginning with 2004 to the extent that we achieve specified performance targets. In the event that performance targets are not achieved in any given fiscal year but the targets are achieved in a subsequent year, the performance option will become exercisable as to the previously unexercisable percentage of the performance options from the missed years, as well as with respect to the percentage of the performance options in respect of the fiscal year in which the performance targets are achieved. Regardless of whether the specified performance targets are met, the performance options will vest and become exercisable as to 100% of the options granted on the eighth anniversary of the grant date. These options expire on the tenth anniversary of their grant date if not otherwise forfeited or terminated prior thereto.

(8)
These performance options were granted on February 2, 2001 and become exercisable as to 20% of the total performance options on December 31 of each year beginning with 2004 to the extent that we achieve specified performance targets. In the event that performance targets are not achieved in any given fiscal year but the targets are achieved in a subsequent year, the performance option will become exercisable as to the previously unexercisable percentage of the performance options from the missed years, as well as with respect to the percentage of the performance options in respect of the fiscal year in which the performance targets are achieved. The Company amended the original performance targets in July 2004 in connection with the acquisition of the Dynamit Nobel businesses. Prior to this time, no portion of these performance options had vested. Therefore, although the performance options were granted in February 2001, they did not begin to vest until December 31, 2004. Regardless of whether the specified performance targets are met, the performance options will vest and become exercisable as to 100% of the options granted on the eighth anniversary of the grant date. These options expire on the tenth anniversary of their grant date if not otherwise forfeited or terminated prior thereto.

36

(9)
These time options were granted on May 16, 2007 and vest and become exercisable by the holder in three equal installments beginning on December 31, 2007 and ending on December 31, 2009. These options expire on the seventh anniversary of their grant date if not otherwise forfeited or terminated prior thereto.

(10)
These performance restricted stock units were granted on May 16, 2007 and each represents the right to receive one share of our common stock. The number of performance restricted stock units granted may be increased upon the achievement of certain performance measures up to a maximum of two times the grant, or decreased to zero shares based on the failure to achieve such performance measures. These performance restricted stock units represent a targeted number of shares and vest on December 31, 2009, subject to the holder's continued employment with us, as follows: (a) up to 140% of the stock units vest if and to the extent we achieve certain annualized consolidated adjusted EBITDA growth targets over a three-year period ending December 31, 2009, and (b) up to 60% of the stock units vest if and to the extent we achieve certain annualized earnings per share growth targets over a three-year period ending December 31, 2009.

(11)
These time options were granted on December 14, 2007 and vest and become exercisable by the holder in three equal installments beginning on December 31, 2008 and ending on December 31, 2010. These options expire on the seventh anniversary of their grant date if not otherwise forfeited or terminated prior thereto.

(12)
These performance restricted stock units were awarded on December 14, 2007 and each represents the right to receive one share of our common stock. The number of performance restricted stock units granted may be increased upon the achievement of certain performance measures up to a maximum of two times the grant, or decreased to zero shares based on the failure to achieve such performance measures. These performance restricted stock units represent a targeted number of shares and vest on December 31, 2010, subject to the holder's continued employment with us, as follows: (a) up to 140% of the stock units vest if and to the extent we achieve certain annualized consolidated adjusted EBITDA growth targets over a three-year period ending December 31, 2010, and (b) up to 60% of the stock units vest if and to the extent we achieve certain annualized earnings per share growth targets over a three-year period ending December 31, 2010.

(13)
Based on the closing price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 31, 2007 of $33.22 per share.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

        The following table provides information regarding contributions, earnings, withdrawals and distributions and balances for our named executive officers under our nonqualified deferred compensation plan during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

Name
   Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(1)
   Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(2)
   Aggregate
Earnings
in Last
FY
($)(3)
   Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distribution
($)
   Aggregate
Balance
Last FYE
($)

Seifi Ghasemi
 
 
—
 
 
—
 
 
—
 
 
—
 
 
—

Robert J. Zatta
 
$
23,770
 
$
73,310
 
$
27,295
 
$
0
 
$
427,821

Thomas J. Riordan
 
$
69,871
 
$
58,283
 
$
74,275
 
$
0
 
$
1,027,249
(1)
Contributions of non-qualified deferred compensation in 2007 by Mr. Zatta and Mr. Riordan consisted of contributions to a supplemental savings plan. All of these amounts were reported in the "Salary" column of the Summary Compensation Table.

37

(2)
The amounts in this column represent matching contributions by Rockwood for each of Mr. Zatta and Mr. Riordan under the supplemental savings plan in the amounts of $23,770 and $18,761, respectively. The amounts also include Rockwood's contributions into the supplemental savings plan that would otherwise have been made to qualified plans if not for the Internal Revenue Service's annual compensation limits for such plans. For Mr. Zatta, this amount is $49,540; and for Mr. Riordan, this amount is $39,522. All of these amounts were reported in the "All Other Compensation" column of the Summary Compensation Table.

(3)
Earnings represent interest accruals at prime rate on cash balances.


STOCK OWNERSHIP

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

        The following table and accompanying footnotes show information as of March 1, 2008, regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by:

        Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person named in the table below is c/o Rockwood Holdings, Inc., 100 Overlook Center, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
   Beneficial Ownership
of Our Common
Stock(1)
   Percentage of Our
Common Stock
  
KKR(2)   30,668,905   41.5 %
DLJMB(3)   8,677,600   11.7 %
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.(4)   5,520,246   7.5 %
Seifi Ghasemi(5)   1,023,157   1.3 %
Robert J. Zatta(6)   224,509   *  
Thomas J. Riordan(7)   257,548   *  
Brian F. Carroll(2)   30,668,905   41.5 %
Sheldon R. Erikson(8)   19,333   *  
Todd A. Fisher(2)   30,668,905   41.5 %
Perry Golkin(2)   30,668,905   41.5 %
Douglas L. Maine(9)   19,333   *  
J. Kent Masters(10)   1,000   *  
Cynthia A. Niekamp(11)   11,038   *  
Susan Schnabel(3)   —   —  
All directors and executive officers of Rockwood Holdings as a group (10 persons)   32,224,823   42.3 %
(1)
The amounts and percentages of our common stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a "beneficial owner" of a security if that person has or shares "voting power," which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or "investment power," which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of such securities as to which such person has an economic interest.

38

(2)
KKR affiliates currently beneficially own as a group 30,668,905 shares of our common stock as follows:

•
4,312,423 shares are beneficially owned by KKR Millennium Fund L.P., for which KKR Associates Millennium L.P. is the general partner, and for which KKR Millennium GP LLC is the general partner of that limited partnership and exercises sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares; 958,315 of the 4,312,423 shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by KKR Millennium Fund L.P. reflect shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants issued in connection with the July 2003 debt refinancing;

•
15,174,368 shares are beneficially owned by KKR 1996 Fund L.P., for which KKR Associates 1996 L.P. is the general partner, and for which KKR 1996 GP LLC is the general partner of that limited partnership and exercises sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares;

•
131,093 shares are beneficially owned by KKR Partners II, L.P., for which KKR Associates (Strata) L.P. and KKR Associates, L.P. are the general partners, and for which Strata L.L.C. is the general partner of KKR Associates (Strata) L.P. and exercises sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares;

•
318,174 shares are beneficially owned by KKR Partners III, L.P. (Series F), for which KKR III GP LLC is the general partner and exercises sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares;

•
10,643,136 shares are beneficially owned by KKR European Fund, Limited Partnership, for which KKR Associates Europe, Limited Partnership is the general partner, and for which KKR Europe Limited is the general partner of that limited partnership and exercises sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares; and

•
89,711 shares are beneficially owned by Aurora Investments II, LLC for which the managing members are Messrs. Henry R. Kravis and George R. Roberts.

In addition, KKR affiliates may be deemed by virtue of their rights under the stockholders' agreement entered into with us and DLJMB, to share investment power with respect to the shares held by DLJMB but disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.
As members of KKR Millennium GP LLC, KKR 1996 GP LLC and KKR III GP LLC, Messrs. Henry R. Kravis, George R. Roberts, Paul E. Raether, Michael W. Michelson, James H. Greene, Perry Golkin, Johannes Huth, Alexander Navab and Todd A. Fisher may also be deemed to be beneficial owners of the securities held by KKR Millennium Fund L.P., KKR 1996 Fund L.P. and KKR Partners III, L.P. (Series F), respectively; as members of Strata L.L.C. and general partners of KKR Associates, L.P., Messrs Kravis, Roberts, Raether, Michelson, Greene and Golkin also may be deemed to be beneficial owners of the securities held by KKR Partners II, L.P.; as members of KKR Millennium GP LLC and KKR III GP LLC, Messrs. Marc S. Lipschultz, Jacques Garaialde, Reinhard Gorenflos, Scott C. Nuttall and Michael M. Calbert may also be deemed to be beneficial owners of the securities held by KKR Millennium Fund L.P. and KKR Partners III, L.P., respectively; and as directors of KKR Europe Limited, Messrs. Kravis, Roberts, Raether, Michelson, Greene, Golkin, Huth, Navab, Fisher, Lipschultz and Garaialde also may be deemed to be beneficial owners of the securities held by KKR European Fund, Limited Partnership. As managing members of Aurora Investments II, LLC, Messrs. Kravis and Roberts may be deemed to be beneficial owners of securities held by Aurora Investments II, LLC. Brian F. Carroll is our director and executive of KKR, and as such may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of any shares beneficially owned by KKR. Each person other than the record holders disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such person, except to the extent of such person's own pecuniary interest therein.

39

(3)
DLJMB beneficially own 8,677,600 shares of our common stock as follows:

•
6,874,566 shares are beneficially owned by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners III, L.P.;

•
121,446 shares are beneficially owned by DLJ Offshore Partners III-1, C.V.;

•
86,517 shares are beneficially owned by DLJ Offshore Partners III-2, C.V.;

•
473,232 shares are beneficially owned by DLJ Offshore Partners III, C.V.;

•
57,387 shares are beneficially owned by DLJMB Partners III GmbH & Co. KG;

•
39,039 shares are beneficially owned by Millennium Partners II, L.P.;

•
1,025,413 shares are beneficially owned by MBP III Plan Investors, L.P., all of which form a part of Credit Suisse's Alternative Capital Division; and

On January 11, 2006, DLJ Merchant Banking Partners III, L.P., DLJ Offshore Partners III-1, C.V., DLJ Offshore Partners III-2, C.V., DLJ Offshore Partners III, C.V., DLJ MB Partners III GmbH & Co. KG, Millennium Partners II, L.P., MBP III Plan Investors, L.P., or the DLJ Entities, and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC (now known as Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC), entered into a voting trust agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee, pursuant to which, among other things, the DLJ Entities deposited 7,309,291 shares of common stock (representing 9.9% of the outstanding shares of common stock) into a trust created by the voting trust agreement and gave the trustee the exclusive right to vote the trustee shares. The trustee will be the record holder of the trustee shares and the DLJ Entities will hold trust certificates representing the trustee shares. While the trustee will have the exclusive right to vote the trustee shares, the DLJ Entities will maintain and continue to have dispositive power over the trustee shares. As of December 31, 2007, 5,077,507 shares of Common Stock were deposited into the Trust.

Susan Schnabel does not have sole or shared voting or dispositive power over shares held by DLJMB and therefore does not have beneficial ownership of such shares.

The address for each of the foregoing is 11 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10010, except that the address of DLJ Offshore Partners III-1, DLJ Offshore Partners III-2 and DLJ Offshore Partners III, C.V. is John B. Gosiraweg 14, Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. Susan Schnabel is one of our directors and an employee of Credit Suisse's Alternative Capital Division, of which DLJMB is a part.

(4)
Wells Fargo & Company (the "Parent Company") may be deemed to beneficially own 5,520,246 shares of our common stock, consisting of 5,140,006 shares that Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"), a subsidiary of the Parent Company, may be deemed to beneficially own and 593,390 shares that other Parent Company subsidiaries may be deemed to beneficially own. Of the 5,140,006 shares that the Bank may be deemed to beneficially own, 5,077,507 shares are subject to the voting trust agreement described above in footnote 3. The address for the Parent Company is 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California, 94104.

40

(5)
Shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Ghasemi include 830,255 shares underlying exercisable stock options held by him and 192,902 shares purchased by him, but excludes 68,452 vested restricted stock units held by Mr. Ghasemi, 369,971 shares underlying unexercisable stock options and 98,944 shares underlying unvested performance restricted stock units.

(6)
Shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Zatta include 180,943 shares underlying exercisable stock options held by him, and 43,566 shares purchased by him, but exclude 79,412 shares underlying unexercisable stock options and 20,958 shares underlying unvested performance restricted stock units.

(7)
Shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Riordan include 206,210 shares underlying exercisable stock options held by him and 51,338 shares purchased by him, but exclude 81,196 shares underlying unexercisable stock options and 18,443 shares underlying unvested performance restricted stock units.

(8)
Shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Erikson include 8,333 shares underlying exercisable stock options held by him, 10,000 shares purchased by him, and 1,000 shares awarded to him for service on the board of directors, but exclude 4,167 shares underlying unexercisable stock options.

(9)
Shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Maine include 8,333 shares underlying exercisable stock options held by him, 10,000 shares purchased by him, and 1,000 shares awarded to him for service on the board of directors, but exclude 4,167 shares underlying unexercisable stock options.

(10)
Shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Masters include 1,000 shares awarded to him for service on the board of directors, but exclude 7,878 shares underlying unexercisable stock options.

(11)
Shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by Ms. Niekamp include 7,038 shares underlying exercisable stock options held by her, 3,000 shares purchased by her, and 1,000 shares awarded to her for service on the board of directors, but exclude 3,519 shares underlying unexercisable stock options.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

        Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires Rockwood's executive officers, directors, persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Rockwood's equity securities and certain entities associated with the foregoing to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the SEC and the NYSE. These parties are required by SEC rules to furnish Rockwood with copies of all Forms 3, 4 and 5, and amendments thereto, that they file with the SEC and the NYSE.

        Based solely on Rockwood's review of the copies of such forms and amendments thereto it has received, we believe that with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, all of these parties complied with all applicable filing requirements.

41


CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons

        The board of directors has adopted a policy for review, approval and monitoring of transactions involving the Company and "related persons," who are defined as directors and executive officers or their immediate family members, or stockholders owning five percent or greater of our outstanding stock. The policy covers any related person transaction that meets the minimum required threshold for disclosure in the proxy statement under the relevant SEC rules (generally, transactions involving amounts exceeding $120,000 in which a related person has a direct or indirect material interest). The affected director or executive officer will bring the matter to the attention of the Senior Vice President, Law & Administration, who will communicate such information to the corporate governance and nominating committee, which will review the related party transaction. Under the policy, related party transactions must be approved by the corporate governance and nominating committee, although the chairperson of the corporate governance and nominating committee may approve related party transactions that involve an amount less than $1 million. However, any related party transaction that involves an amount in excess of $5 million requires the approval of the board of directors.

Agreements with KKR, DLJMB and/or Management

        We entered into management stockholder's agreements with certain members of our management that purchased shares of our common stock under the 2001 management equity program. While these management stockholder's agreements are generally dated February 2, 2001, others were entered into in the second half of 2001, 2002 and 2003. With respect to those agreements dated February 2, 2001 and those agreements entered into prior to the second half of 2003, certain of the provisions described below are no longer effective because these provisions terminated on the fifth anniversary of such agreements.

        Restrictions on Transfers.    The management stockholder's agreements impose significant restrictions on transfers of shares of common stock. Pursuant to the management stockholder's agreements, except for certain permitted non-public transfers, sales of shares of common stock pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act (not including registration statements on Form S-8) and transfers made pursuant to the sale participation agreement (described below), the shares of common stock generally will be non-transferable by any means at any time prior to the fifth anniversary of the investment date.

        Our Obligation to Repurchase Stock and Options of the Stockholder.    If, prior to the fifth anniversary of the management stockholder's agreement, the stockholder's employment is terminated as a result of the death or permanent disability of the stockholder, then the stockholder will have the right, for a period of 60 days following 181 days after the date of death or permanent disability, to require us to purchase all of the shares of common stock then held by such stockholder at a per share price equal to the fair market value per share. In the event the stockholder exercises this right, we will also be required to purchase all of the outstanding exercisable options held by the stockholder for an amount equal to the product of (x) the excess, if any, of the fair market value per share over the exercise price of the option and (y) the number of exercisable options.

        Our Right to Repurchase Stock and Options of the Stockholder.    If, prior to the fifth anniversary of the management stockholder's agreement, the stockholder's employment is terminated by us for "cause" (as such term is defined in the agreement) or the management stockholder effects an impermissible transfer of the shares of common stock, then we will have the right to repurchase shares of common stock held by the stockholder at a per share price equal to the lesser of the purchase price the stockholder paid for the share and the fair market value per share, and all options (whether then

42


exercisable or not) held by the stockholder will terminate without any payment. If, prior to the fifth anniversary of the management stockholder's agreement, the stockholder's employment is terminated with or without "good reason" (as such term is defined in the agreement) by the management stockholder or by his death or permanent disability or without "cause" by us, then we will have the right to repurchase shares of common stock held by the stockholder at a per share purchase price equal to the fair market value per share. In the event we exercise this right, we will also purchase all of the outstanding exercisable options held by the stockholder for an amount equal to the product of the excess, if any, of the fair market value per share over the option exercise price and the number of exercisable options. In the event such amount is zero or a negative number, all such outstanding exercisable options will be automatically terminated without any payment.

        "Piggyback" Registration Rights.    Until the later of (i) one year after the occurrence of a (a) registered public offering relating to sales of our common stock by affiliates of KKR or (b) a "qualified public offering," and (ii) the sixth anniversary of the date the management stockholder entered into the management stockholder's agreement, the management stockholder agrees to be bound by the registration rights agreement (described below), and in the event of a proposed registered sale of our common stock by affiliates of KKR, the management stockholder is entitled to register in the proposed sale the maximum number of shares of common stock held by him or acquired under exercisable options, which number is proportional to the number of shares being sold by affiliates of KKR in relation to the number of shares then owned by affiliates of KKR.

        We entered into management stockholder's agreements with members of our management and certain other employees that purchased shares of our common stock under the 2004 management equity program. The terms of the 2004 management stockholder's agreements are substantially the same as those of the 2001 management stockholder's agreements described above. However, effective as of October 31, 2007, these agreements were amended to, among other things, (i) modify the period within which the management stockholder must elect to exercise his "piggyback" registration rights discussed above, and (ii) allow the management stockholder, on any date subsequent to the actual sale of common stock by any entity affiliated with KKR that triggers such registration rights, to make a written request to us to remove any transfer restrictions on such maximum number of shares of common stock that such management stockholder has a bona fide intention to sell and would have otherwise been permitted to register pursuant to the exercise of such "piggyback" registration rights.

        Affiliates of KKR entered into a sale participation agreement with each member of our management who purchased shares of our common stock under the 2001 management stockholder's agreement. Each sale participation agreement is dated the same date as the related management stockholder's agreement.

        Tag-Along Rights.    The sale participation agreement grants to the stockholders the right to participate in any sale for cash or other consideration (other than a registered public offering or a sale to another affiliate of KKR) of shares of our common stock by affiliates of KKR occurring prior to the fifth anniversary of the first registered public offering of our common stock, which is August 22, 2010. The stockholder will be able to sell the maximum number of shares of our common stock then held by such stockholder or acquired under exercisable options, which is proportional to the number of shares being sold by affiliates of KKR in relation to the number of shares then owned by affiliates of KKR.

        Drag-Along Rights.    If affiliates of KKR receive an offer from a third party to purchase at least a majority of the shares of common stock then owned by affiliates of KKR prior to the fifth anniversary of the first registered public offering of our common stock, which is August 22, 2010, the stockholder

43


may be required, if so requested by affiliates of KKR, to sell in such transaction on the same terms and conditions as to be paid and given to affiliates of KKR, up to the same number of shares of common stock that the stockholder would be able to sell pursuant to the preceding paragraph.

        Affiliates of KKR entered into sale participation agreements with other members of our management who purchased shares of our common stock under the 2004 management equity program. The terms of the 2004 sale participation agreements are substantially the same as those of the 2001 sale participation agreements described above.

        We entered into a restricted stock unit award agreement with our chairman and chief executive officer, effective November 2001, pursuant to which he received a grant of 68,452 restricted stock units which vested in equal quarterly installments over a three-year-period. The restricted stock units are payable in shares of our common stock issuable upon the later to occur of (i) the date the shares of common stock underlying the restricted stock units can be sold in the public market without restriction on transfer and (ii) the termination of his employment. Pursuant to the agreement, if a cash dividend is paid on the outstanding shares of our common stock, he will receive, at the time he becomes entitled to receive the shares of our common stock underlying the restricted stock units, an additional number of shares of our common stock equal to the quotient of (a) the product of the amount of the dividend paid with respect to one share of our common stock multiplied by the number of vested restricted stock units then held by him (plus any number of shares of our common stock previously calculated in respect of any other cash dividend) divided by (b) the fair value per share of our common stock at the time the dividend is paid. The number of shares of our common stock issuable is subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend, split, combination, recapitalization, change of control or other similar event.

        We are a party to a registration rights agreement, dated November 20, 2000, as amended as of July 23, 2003, with certain of our stockholders, including affiliates of KKR, DLJMB, stockholders party to the investors' rights agreement described below and members of our management and certain other employees who are parties to the management stockholder's agreements described above. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, if we propose to register shares of our common stock for sale under the Securities Act, the other parties to the registration rights agreement are entitled to request that we include their shares in such sale. In addition, affiliates of KKR and DLJMB (that own a specified number of shares of our common stock) are entitled to make requests that we effect the registration under the Securities Act of all or a portion of their shares of common stock.

        In connection with the acquisition of the Dynamit Nobel businesses, we entered into a stockholders' agreement, dated as of July 29, 2004, with affiliates of KKR and DLJMB. The stockholders' agreement was amended on January 27, 2006.

        Representation on the board of directors.    The stockholders' agreement, as amended, provides that one member of our board of directors will be our chief executive officer, who will serve as chairman.

        The amendment to the stockholders' agreement provides for the deletion of certain provisions of the stockholders' agreement pertaining to the election and removal of directors from the board of directors and the composition of its committees. As a result of these changes, DLJMB is no longer entitled to appoint one member to the board of directors or any of its committees (as had previously

44


been the case under the agreement). The amendment also includes (i) the consent of the affiliates of KKR, the affiliates of DLJMB and Rockwood to the transfer by DLJMB of 7,309,291 shares of common stock to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee (the "Trustee") in accordance with and pursuant to the voting trust agreement among the Trustee, DLJMB and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, dated as of January 11, 2006 (described under "Stock Ownership"), and (ii) an acknowledgment by the affiliates of KKR and the affiliates of DLJMB that they will not act as a "group" with respect to the securities of the Company within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

        Restrictions on Transfers.    Prior to the fifth anniversary of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, DLJMB may not generally transfer shares of our common stock, other than to certain permitted transferees (including distributions to their limited partners), pursuant to a registered sale or pursuant to drag-along rights described below. Following the fifth anniversary of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, DLJMB may transfer their shares subject to drag-along rights described below and certain other restrictions. Subject to compliance with certain restrictions, affiliates of KKR may transfer their shares by any means at any time.

        Drag-Along Rights.    If at any time affiliates of KKR and any other holder of shares of our common stock receive a bona fide offer from any third party to purchase at least a majority of our outstanding common stock, and such offer is accepted, then DLJMB will, if required by affiliates of KKR, transfer to such third-party on the terms of the accepted offer such number of shares of common stock held by them as is proportional to the number of shares being sold by affiliates of KKR and other holders in relation to the number of shares then owned by them.

        Registration Rights.    Each stockholder party to the agreement agrees to be bound by the registration rights agreement dated November 20, 2000, as amended. DLJMB is entitled to make up to three separate written requests that we effect the registration under the Securities Act of all or some of their shares of common stock pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreement; provided, however, DLJMB may not make any such request until the earlier of (i) the termination of any applicable "lock-up" period and the end of any period during which dealers must deliver a prospectus in connection with the sale of any shares of our common stock by any affiliates of KKR pursuant to the exercise of its second demand registration right and (ii) the sixth anniversary of the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition if no affiliate of KKR has exercised its demand registration right to date. Affiliates of KKR are entitled to make an unlimited number of requests that we effect the registration under the Securities Act of their shares of common stock.

        In connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we entered into a management services agreement, dated as of July 29, 2004, with KKR and DLJMB. Under the agreement, KKR and DLJMB provided certain management, business strategy, consulting and financial services to us and our subsidiaries. In addition, we agreed to indemnify and hold each of KKR and DLJMB and their respective partners, executives, officers, directors, employees, agents, controlling persons and affiliates harmless from and against any losses and/or liabilities relating to or arising out of the services contemplated by the agreement or the retention of KKR and DLJMB pursuant to, and such entities' or their affiliates' performance of the services contemplated by, the agreement. In connection with our initial public offering, the affiliates of KKR and DLJMB terminated the management services agreement for an aggregate consideration of $10.0 million. Certain provisions in the management services agreement, including the indemnification provisions, survive such termination.

        Warrants.    In connection with the issuance in July 2003 of redeemable convertible preferred stock which was redeemed with a portion of the net proceeds from our initial public offering, we issued to an

45


affiliate of KKR warrants, exercisable at any time at a specified exercise price, to purchase 958,315 additional shares of our common stock. The warrants expire July 23, 2013.

        The Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors' fiduciary duties. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that no director shall be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated by-laws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law. We are also expressly authorized to advance certain expenses (including attorneys' fees and disbursements and court costs) and carry directors' and officers' insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and officers. There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

        In addition, we have agreed to indemnify certain of our directors who are affiliated with KKR and DLJMB under the management services agreement.

Relationship with DLJMB and Credit Suisse

        DLJMB, which is comprised of funds that are affiliates of Credit Suisse, currently owns approximately 8,677,600 shares of our common stock (approximately 11.7% of the common stock, of which 5,077,507 shares are subject to a voting trust agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee, as more fully described herein) which were purchased in connection with our acquisition in July 2004 of four businesses of Dynamit Nobel from GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft (formerly known as mg technologies ag). Currently, one member of the board of directors, Susan Schnabel, is affiliated with, or works for, affiliates of Credit Suisse. Ms. Schnabel is Managing Director, Co-Head of European Leveraged Private Equity.

        Credit Suisse was an initial purchaser of our subsidiary, Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc.'s 7.625% and 7.500% senior subordinated notes due 2014 in the principal amounts of €375 million and $200 million, respectively and an underwriter in the initial public offering of our common stock, and received customary commissions in connection with both transactions. Credit Suisse, along with KKR Capital Markets LLC, an affiliate of KKR, also served as an underwriter in the secondary offering of our common stock by certain selling stockholders in November 2007, although we did not receive any proceeds in that offering or pay any commissions. Affiliates of Credit Suisse also are lenders, arrangers and agents in connection with our credit facilities and receive fees customary for performing these services, as well as interest on the loans. From time to time, Credit Suisse provides us with advisory services in connection with acquisitions and divestitures. For example, Credit Suisse acted as our financial advisor in connection with the sale of our electronics business.

*********************

46

        It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting, regardless of the number of shares that you hold. YOU, THEREFORE, ARE URGED TO EXECUTE PROMPTLY AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE THAT HAS BEEN ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. Stockholders who are present at the Annual Meeting may revoke their proxies and vote in person or, if they prefer, may abstain from voting in person and allow their proxies to be voted.

March 26, 2008
Princeton, New Jersey

47

 

ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.

 

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON APRIL 23, 2008
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

The undersigned hereby appoints Seifi Ghasemi and Cynthia A. Niekamp as proxies, each with full power of substitution, to represent and vote as designated on the reverse side, all the shares of Common Stock of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on March 17, 2008, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at our offices located at 100 Overlook Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, on April 23, 2008, or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

(CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE)

 


 

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
APRIL 23, 2008

 

Please date, sign and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible.

 

Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND “FOR” PROPOSAL 2.

 

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR

 

VOTE

 

IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x

 

1.

Election of Directors:

 

o

o

 

o

 

 

FOR ALL NOMINEES

WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
FOR ALL NOMINEES

 

FOR ALL EXCEPT (See instructions below)

 

NOMINEES:

 

 

 

 

o

Brian F. Carroll

 

 

o

Todd A. Fisher

 

 

o

Douglas L. Maine

 

(INSTRUCTION: To withhold to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “FOR ALL
EXCEPT” and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: ( )

 

2.             To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2008

 

o

o

o

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

 

3.             In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting

 

o

o

o

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

 


 

This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Rockwood. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in accordance with the instructions given above. If no instructions are given, this proxy will be voted “FOR” the election of the Directors and “FOR” proposal 2.

 

To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. 

 

 

 

 

Signature of Stockholder

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of Stockholder

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

Note:  Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.

 



QuickLinks

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS To Be Held On April 23, 2008
Table of Contents
PROXY STATEMENT For the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held On April 23, 2008
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ROCKWOOD'S ANNUAL MEETING
BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING
PROXIES AND VOTING PROCEDURES
PROPOSAL ONE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
PROPOSAL TWO RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
OTHER MATTERS
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND RELATED MATTERS
AUDIT AND RELATED FEES
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION
STOCK OWNERSHIP
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS