Exhibit 99.1
                           LAWTER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                     990 SKOKIE BLVD. NORTHBROOK, IL  60062
                                  847/498-4700
                                FAX 847/498-0066



                                  NEWS RELEASE
For further information, please contact:              Mr.  John O'Mahoney,
                                                      Chairman/CEO



                      HACH COMPANY AND LAWTER INTERNATIONAL
                             AGREE ON STOCK BUYBACK


        Northbrook, Illinois, June 26, 1997 -- Lawter International, Inc. (NYSE:
LAW) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Hach
Company for the repurchase by Hach of Lawter's entire holdings of Hach Common
Stock.  The 3,157,220 shares, representing approximately 27.8% of Hach's
outstanding Common Stock, will be purchased for $19.00 per share, for a total
purchase price of $59,987,180.  The net cash received after tax from this
transaction is expected to be approximately $39 million.  The purchase is
expected to be completed by July 8, 1997, subject to certain customary closing
conditions.
        John O'Mahoney, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lawter,
commented that "We believe this transaction will be beneficial to both parties.
The price to be received by Lawter represents a premium over recent prices of
Hach stock.  Our Board felt that in order to enhance stockholder value, this was
the appropriate time to liquidate our investment in Hach, the proceeds of which
will be used to further Lawter's long-term plans."
        Lawter is a specialty chemical company, with 20 facilities in 15
countries throughout the world.  It is a major manufacturer and distributor of
printing ink vehicles, wax compounds and powders, and synthetic and hydrocarbon
resins to the graphic arts industry.  Lawter also serves the industrial
coatings, adhesives and rubber industries.



This press release contains forward-looking statements which are not historical
facts.  These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, certain global and
regional economic conditions and factors detailed in the Company's Securities
and Exchange Commission filings