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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Jana Partners picks up stake in Ashland, shares rise, (NYSE: AGU), (TSE: AGU.TO), (NYSE: ASH), (NYSE: TRI), (TSE: TRI.TO)

Activist hedge fund Jana Partners LLC, known for its battle with Agrium Inc, picked up a 7.4 percent stake in Ashland Inc and said the chemicals maker's stock was "undervalued." Shares of Covington, Kentucky-based Ashland were up 6 percent in extended trading. They closed at $78.83 on Thursday.Jana Partners said Ashland's current value represents "an attractive investment opportunity," according to a regulatory filing. ()The stake helped Jana Partners become the second-largest shareholder of Ashland after Fidelity Management and Research Co, according to Thomson Reuters data.The hedge fund said it had discussions with Ashland's management relating to its business, corporate structure, capitalization, operations, strategy and future plans.

Agrium Inc. (Agrium) is a global producer and marketer of nutrients for agricultural and industrial markets. Shares of AGU traded higher by 0.83% or $0.78/share to $94.88. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $74.28 and as high as $115.31. On average, 1052440 shares of AGU exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 1329405.

Agrium Inc. (Agrium) is a global producer and marketer of nutrients for agricultural and industrial markets. Shares of AGU traded higher by 0.62% or $0.59/share to $95.97. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $77.50 and as high as $116.38. On average, 557676 shares of AGU.TO exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 352644.

Ashland Inc. (Ashland) is a global specialty chemical company that provides products, services and solutions throughout a variety of industries. Shares of ASH traded higher by 2.22% or $1.71/share to $78.83. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $58.96 and as high as $86.96. On average, 1087070 shares of ASH exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 1199270.

Thomson Reuters Corporation (Thomson Reuters) is a provider of information for the world?s businesses and professionals. Shares of TRI traded higher by 0.27% or $0.09/share to $32.82. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $26.20 and as high as $32.89. On average, 1087950 shares of TRI exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 569190.

Thomson Reuters Corporation (Thomson Reuters) is a provider of information for the world?s businesses and professionals. Shares of TRI fell by 0.09% or $-0.03/share to $33.18. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $26.65 and as high as $33.54. On average, 1195040 shares of TRI.TO exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 479254.



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