May 25, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Ahlstrom, a global leader in high performance fiber-based materials, announced on Wednesday, May 24 price increases on its specialty paper grades, mainly due to the rapid rise in energy and key raw material costs. The price increases will be effective in June 1, 2006. The magnitude of the price increases will depend on the region, the nature of the products and the invoicing currencies. The detailed actions are being discussed with customers. Ahlstrom specialty papers include numerous grades for technical applications and for label and packaging applications. Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. Ahlstrom's 5 600 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2005, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to Euro 1.55 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the main list of the Helsinki Stock Exchange.