Release Details

METAIRIE, La., March 22, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Newpark Resources, Inc. (NYSE: NR) announced today that its Board of Directors has named Paul L. Howes as Newpark's Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board. Mr. Howes succeeds James D. Cole as CEO. Mr. Cole will devote his full energies to the development of the new water treatment technology as Chairman and CEO of Newpark Environmental Water Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newpark.

David Hunt, Chairman of Newpark's Board of Directors, commented, "We are pleased that Paul Howes has taken the helm at Newpark. Paul has demonstrated the ability to build a company in his prior executive roles, and we are confident that the ongoing diversification and new product initiatives currently under way within Newpark will be successfully continued under his leadership."

Mr. Howes is a 1980 graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in engineering. His career has included experience in the defense industry, chemicals and plastics manufacturing, and the packaging industry. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Astaris LLC, a primary chemicals company headquartered in St. Louis, with operations in North America, Europe and South America.

The terms of the Employment Agreement with Mr. Howes include, among other provisions, an inducement award of (i) 375,000 options at the market price at the close of business on March 22, 2006, which will vest ratably over three years, and (ii) 200,000 time restricted shares, which will vest ratably over five years. The grant of these inducement awards has been approved by the independent Compensation Committee of Newpark's Board of Directors and is exempt from the shareholder approval requirements set forth by the New York Stock Exchange.

Newpark Resources, Inc. provides drilling fluids, environmental and oilfield services to the exploration and production industry.

The foregoing discussion may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. There are risks and uncertainties that could cause future events and results to differ materially from those anticipated by management in the forward-looking statements included in this press release. For further information regarding these and other factors, risks and uncertainties affecting us, we refer you to the risk factors set forth under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. In particular, as described on pages 15 and 16 of that Annual Report, any material decline in the level of oil and gas exploration and production activity could result in fewer opportunities being available for the service industry in general and us in particular, and may adversely affect the demand for our services. In addition, as described on page 18 of that Annual Report, rescission or relaxation of governmental regulations could reduce the demand for our services and reduce our revenues and income. We strongly urge you to review that Annual Report and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more detailed discussion of these and other factors, risks and uncertainties. Our SEC filings can be obtained at no charge at http://www.sec.gov , as well as through our website http://www.newpark.com .

SOURCE Newpark Resources, Inc.

Matthew W. Hardey, Vice President of Finance and CFO of Newpark Resources, Inc.,
+1-504-838-8222

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