Exhibit 99.1
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News Release
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Celanese Corporation
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Investor Relations
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1601 West LBJ Freeway
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Dallas, Texas 75234-6034
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Celanese Expects 2008 Results To Be Below Previous Outlook
DALLAS, November 20, 2008 - Celanese Corporation (NYSE:CE), a leading global chemical company,
today announced that its full year 2008 results are expected to be below its previous outlook. The
company noted that continued weakening of the global economy, significant inventory destocking
throughout its end-consumers supply chains, and the previously announced unplanned outage and
related force majeure at its AT Plastics facility are impacting its fourth quarter results. Due to
these factors, and increased uncertainty in global demand, the company has chosen not to provide an
updated full year outlook for 2008. The companys previous guidance issued on October 21, 2008,
should no longer be relied upon.
Dramatically lower consumer and industrial demand, driven by global recessionary trends, has caused
an acceleration of inventory destocking throughout the companys end-consumer supply chains. As a
result, demand for many of the companys products has declined significantly during the fourth
quarter of 2008, particularly in Asia.
The slowing economic environment is having a more substantial impact on consumer demand and the
entire supply chain than previously anticipated, resulting in reduced volumes in our businesses,
said David Weidman, chairman and chief executive officer. Even during this economic downturn,
Celaneses leading franchises are well-positioned to create value for our shareholders. Our balance
sheet and liquidity remain strong and we continue to expect positive adjusted free cash flow during
the fourth quarter of 2008 and in 2009.
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Contacts:
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Investor Relations
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Media
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Mark Oberle
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W. Travis Jacobsen
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Phone: +1 972 443 4464
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Phone: +1 972 443 3750
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Telefax: +1 972 443 8519
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Telefax: +1 972 443 8519
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Mark.Oberle@celanese.com
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William.Jacobsen@celanese.com
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As a global leader in the chemicals industry, Celanese Corporation makes products essential to
everyday living. Our products, found in consumer and industrial applications, are manufactured in
North America, Europe and Asia. Net sales totaled $6.4 billion in 2007, with approximately 70%
generated outside of North America. Known for operational excellence and execution of its business
strategies, Celanese delivers value to customers around the globe with innovations and
best-in-class technologies. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company employs approximately 8,400
employees worldwide. For more information on Celanese Corporation, please visit the companys
website at
www.celanese.com
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Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements, which include information concerning the
companys plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future revenues or performance, capital
expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. When used
in this release, the words outlook, forecast, estimates, expects, anticipates,
projects, plans, intends, believes, and variations of such words or similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon
current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions. There can be no assurance that the
company will realize these expectations or that these beliefs will prove correct. There are a
number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements contained in this release. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond
the companys control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed as
forward-looking statements. Certain of these risk factors are discussed in the companys filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the
date on which it is made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the
occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.
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