UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

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FORM 8-K

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CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):  December 16, 2008

ASHLAND INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Kentucky

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

1-32532	20-0865835
(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

50 E. RiverCenter Boulevard, Covington, Kentucky  41011

(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

P.O. Box 391, Covington, Kentucky  41012-0391

(Mailing Address)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (859) 815-3333

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[  ]	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[  ]	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[  ]	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[  ]	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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Item 8.01. Other Events

On June 18, 2008, Ashland Inc. and Süd-Chemie AG, a global specialty chemicals company headquartered in Munich, Germany, announced a nonbinding memorandum of understanding for a proposed 50-50 joint venture for serving the metal casting industry. Since then, amid ongoing discussions, the preliminary due diligence process has essentially been concluded. The parties are now considering alternative structures.

Should Ashland and Süd-Chemie complete the negotiation of definitive agreements, targeted for the first half of 2009, closing would further depend upon a number of standard closing conditions, including regulatory review.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	ASHLAND INC.
	(Registrant)
December 16, 2008	/s/ Lamar M. Chambers
	Lamar M. Chambers
	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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