-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, RbyJz0Ur7i9S+lPq4RlLcd9d/6/eNyGPeg+9JVcGwhv5jgzT78VEPk+HSLns/o9+ nShIiRq0iZ1RT7YG2kn9zg== 0000919574-09-003124.txt : 20090217 0000919574-09-003124.hdr.sgml : 20090216 20090213195817 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000919574-09-003124 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13G/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090217 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090213 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ASHLAND INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001305014 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: WHOLESALE-CHEMICALS & ALLIED PRODUCTS [5160] IRS NUMBER: 200865835 STATE OF INCORPORATION: KY FISCAL YEAR END: 0930 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13G/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-82474 FILM NUMBER: 09606445 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 50 EAST RIVERCENTER BLVD., 16TH FLOOR CITY: COVINGTON STATE: KY ZIP: 41012 BUSINESS PHONE: 859-815-3483 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 50 EAST RIVERCENTER BLVD., 16TH FLOOR CITY: COVINGTON STATE: KY ZIP: 41012 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: New EXM Inc. DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20041004 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARBINGER CAPITAL PARTNERS MASTER FUND I, LTD. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001233563 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13G/A BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O INTERNATIONAL FUND SERVICES LIMITED STREET 2: THIRD FL, BISHOP'S SQUARE REDMOND'S HILL CITY: DUBLIN 2 STATE: L2 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 2125216972 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O INTERNATIONAL FUND SERVICES LIMITED STREET 2: THIRD FL, BISHOP'S SQUARE REDMOND'S HILL CITY: DUBLIN 2 STATE: L2 ZIP: 00000 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARBERT DISTRESSED INVESTMENT MASTER FUND LTD DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20030516 SC 13G/A 1 d958273_13g-a.txt UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549 SCHEDULE 13G Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 4) Ashland Inc.* - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Issuer) Common Stock - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Title of Class of Securities) 044209104 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (CUSIP Number) December 31, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement) Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule is filed: [_] Rule 13d-1(b) [x] Rule 13d-1(c) [_] Rule 13d-1(d) - ---------- * IMPORTANT NOTE: THE SECURITIES SET FORTH IN THIS REPORT ARE DIRECTLY BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY HARBINGER CAPITAL PARTNERS MASTER FUND I, LTD. AND/OR HARBINGER CAPITAL PARTNERS SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND, L.P. (COLLECTIVELY, THE "FUNDS"). ALL OTHER ENTITIES AND PERSONS ARE INCLUDED WITHIN THIS REPORT DUE TO THEIR AFFILIATION WITH ONE OR BOTH OF THE FUNDS. ** The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a prior cover page. The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes). CUSIP No. 044209104 --------------------- 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) (a) [_] (b) [X] 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION Cayman Islands NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 329,650 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 329,650 9. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 329,650 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) [_] 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 0.5% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) CO ________________________________________________________________________________ CUSIP No. 044209104 --------------------- 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) (a) [_] (b) [X] 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION Delaware NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 329,650 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 329,650 9. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 329,650 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) [_] 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 0.5% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) CO - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUSIP No. 044209104 --------------------- 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HMC Investors, L.L.C. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) (a) [_] (b) [X] 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION Delaware NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 329,650 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 329,650 9. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 329,650 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) [_] 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 0.5% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) CO - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUSIP No. 044209104 --------------------- 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) (a) [_] (b) [X] 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION Delaware NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 2,332,692 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 2,332,692 9. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 2,332,692 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) [_] 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 3.2% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) PN - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUSIP No. 044209104 --------------------- 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) (a) [_] (b) [X] 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION Delaware NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 2,332,692 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 2,332,692 9. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 2,332,692 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) [_] 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 3.2% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) CO - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUSIP No. 044209104 --------------------- 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HMC - New York, Inc. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) (a) [_] (b) [X] 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION New York NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 2,332,692 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 2,332,692 9. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 2,332,692 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) [_] 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 3.2% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) CO - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUSIP No. 044209104 --------------------- 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) Harbert Management Corporation 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) (a) [_] (b) [X] 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION Alabama NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 2,332,692 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 2,332,692 9. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 2,332,692 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) [_] 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 3.2% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) CO - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUSIP No. 044209104 --------------------- 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) Philip Falcone 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) (a) [_] (b) [X] 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION U.S.A. NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 2,662,342 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 2,662,342 9. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 2,662,342 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) [_] 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 3.6% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) IN - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUSIP No. 044209104 --------------------- 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) Raymond J. Harbert 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) (a) [_] (b) [X] 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION U.S.A. NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 2,662,342 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 2,662,342 9. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 2,662,342 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) [_] 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 3.6% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) IN - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUSIP No. 044209104 --------------------- 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) Michael D. Luce 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) (a) [_] (b) [X] 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION U.S.A. NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 2,662,342 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 2,662,342 9. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 2,662,342 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) [_] 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 3.6% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) IN ________________________________________________________________________________ CUSIP No. 044209104 --------------------- Item 1(a). Name of Issuer: Ashland Inc. ____________________________________________________________________ (b). Address of Issuer's Principal Executive Offices: 50 E. RiverCenter Boulevard P.O. Box 391 Covington, Kentucky 41012 ____________________________________________________________________ Item 2(a). Name, Principal Business Address, and Citizenship of Persons Filing: Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. - Cayman Islands c/o International Fund Services (Ireland) Limited Third Floor, Bishop's Square Redmond's Hill Dublin 2, Ireland Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. - Delaware Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC - Delaware HMC - New York, Inc. - New York Philip Falcone - U.S.A. 555 Madison Avenue 16th Floor New York, New York 10022 United States of America Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. - Delaware HMC Investors, L.L.C. - Delaware Harbert Management Corporation - Alabama Raymond J. Harbert - U.S.A. Michael D. Luce - U.S.A. 2100 Third Avenue North, Suite 600 Birmingham, Alabama 35203 United States of America ____________________________________________________________________ (d). Title of Class of Securities: Common Stock ____________________________________________________________________ (e). CUSIP Number: 044209104 ____________________________________________________________________ Item 3. If This Statement is filed pursuant to ss.240.13d-1(b) or 240.13d-2(b), or (c), check whether the person filing is a: (a) [_] Broker or dealer registered under Section 15 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c). (b) [_] Bank as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c). (c) [_] Insurance company as defined in Section 3(a)(19) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c). (d) [_] Investment company registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-8). (e) [_] An investment adviser in accordance with s.240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E); (f) [_] An employee benefit plan or endowment fund in accordance with s.240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(F); (g) [_] A parent holding company or control person in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G); (h) [_] A savings association as defined in Section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C.1813); (i) [_] A church plan that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under Section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-3); (j) [_] Group, in accordance with s.240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J). Item 4. Ownership. Provide the following information regarding the aggregate number and percentage of the class of securities of the issuer identified in Item 1. (a) Amount beneficially owned: Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. - 329,650 Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. - 329,650 HMC Investors, L.L.C. - 329,650 Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. - 2,332,692 Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC - 2,332,692 HMC - New York, Inc. - 2,332,692 Harbert Management Corporation - 2,332,692 Philip Falcone - 2,662,342 Raymond J. Harbert - 2,662,342 Michael D. Luce - 2,662,342 ______________________________________________________________________ (b) Percent of class: Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. - 0.5% Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. - 0.5% HMC Investors, L.L.C. - 0.5%% Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. - 3.2% Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC - 3.2% HMC - New York, Inc. - 3.2% Harbert Management Corporation - 3.2% Philip Falcone - 3.6% Raymond J. Harbert - 3.6% Michael D. Luce - 3.6% ______________________________________________________________________ (c) Number of shares as to which the person has: (i) Sole power to vote or to direct the vote: Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. - 0 Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. - 0 HMC Investors, L.L.C. - 0 Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. - 0 Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC - 0 HMC - New York, Inc. - 0 Harbert Management Corporation - 0 Philip Falcone - 0 Raymond J. Harbert - 0 Michael D. Luce - 0 (ii) Shared power to vote or to direct the vote: Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. - 329,650 Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. - 329,650 HMC Investors, L.L.C. - 329,650 Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. - 2,332,692 Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC - 2,332,692 HMC - New York, Inc. - 2,332,692 Harbert Management Corporation - 2,332,692 Philip Falcone - 2,662,342 Raymond J. Harbert - 2,662,342 Michael D. Luce - 2,662,342 (iii) Sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of: Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. - 0 Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. - 0 HMC Investors, L.L.C. - 0 Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. - 0 Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC - 0 HMC - New York, Inc. - 0 Harbert Management Corporation - 0 Philip Falcone - 0 Raymond J. Harbert - 0 Michael D. Luce - 0 (iv) Shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of: Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. - 329,650 Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. - 329,650 HMC Investors, L.L.C. - 329,650 Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. - 2,332,692 Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC - 2,332,692 HMC - New York, Inc. - 2,332,692 Harbert Management Corporation - 2,332,692 Philip Falcone - 2,662,342 Raymond J. Harbert - 2,662,342 Michael D. Luce - 2,662,342 Item 5. Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class. If this statement is being filed to report the fact that as of the date hereof the reporting person has ceased to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the class of securities, check the following [X]. _______________________________________________________________________ Item 6. Ownership of More Than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person. If any other person is known to have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, such securities, a statement to that effect should be included in response to this item and, if such interest relates to more than five percent of the class, such person should be identified. A listing of the shareholders of an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or the beneficiaries of employee benefit plan, pension fund or endowment fund is not required. N/A _______________________________________________________________________ Item 7. Identification and Classification of the Subsidiary Which Acquired the Security Being Reported on by the Parent Holding Company or Control Person. If a parent holding company or Control person has filed this schedule, pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G), so indicate under Item 3(g) and attach an exhibit stating the identity and the Item 3 classification of the relevant subsidiary. If a parent holding company or control person has filed this schedule pursuant to Rule 13d-1(c) or Rule 13d-1(d), attach an exhibit stating the identification of the relevant subsidiary. N/A _______________________________________________________________________ Item 8. Identification and Classification of Members of the Group. If a group has filed this schedule pursuant to Sec.240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J), so indicate under Item 3(j) and attach an exhibit stating the identity and Item 3 classification of each member of the group. If a group has filed this schedule pursuant to Sec.240.13d-1(c) or Sec.240.13d-1(d), attach an exhibit stating the identity of each member of the group. N/A _______________________________________________________________________ Item 9. Notice of Dissolution of Group. Notice of dissolution of a group may be furnished as an exhibit stating the date of the dissolution and that all further filings with respect to transactions in the security reported on will be filed, if required, by members of the group, in their individual capacity. See Item 5. N/A ______________________________________________________________________ Item 10. Certification. (b) The following certification shall be included if the statement is filed pursuant to Rule 13d-1(c): By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having such purpose or effect. After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. By: Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. By: HMC Investors, L.L.C., Managing Member By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick ________________________ Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. By: HMC Investors, L.L.C., Managing Member By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick ________________________ HMC Investors, L.L.C. By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick ________________________ Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. By: Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC By: HMC - New York, Inc., Managing Member By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick ________________________ Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC By: HMC - New York, Inc., Managing Member By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick ________________________ HMC - New York, Inc. By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick ________________________ Harbert Management Corporation By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick ________________________ /s/ Philip Falcone _____________________ Philip Falcone /s/ Raymond J. Harbert _____________________ Raymond J. Harbert /s/ Michael D. Luce _____________________ Michael D. Luce February 17, 2009 Exhibit A AGREEMENT The undersigned agree that this Schedule 13G, Amendment No. 4, dated February 17, 2009 relating to the Common Stock of Ashland Inc. shall be filed on behalf of the undersigned. Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. By: Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. By: HMC Investors, L.L.C., Managing Member By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick _________________________ Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C. By: HMC Investors, L.L.C., Managing Member By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick _________________________ HMC Investors, L.L.C. By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick _________________________ Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. By: Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC By: HMC - New York, Inc., Managing Member By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick ________________________ Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC By: HMC - New York, Inc., Managing Member By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick ________________________ HMC - New York, Inc. By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick ________________________ Harbert Management Corporation By: /s/ Joel B. Piassick ________________________ /s/ Philip Falcone _____________________ Philip Falcone /s/ Raymond J. Harbert _____________________ Raymond J. Harbert /s/ Michael D. Luce _____________________ Michael D. Luce February 17, 2009 SK 03773 0003 958273 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----