Oct 3 (Reuters) - Swiss specialty chemicals maker

Clariant has rejected allegations from BP Europe

and an ExxonMobil ( XOM ) subsidiary who are seeking damages for

breaching competition law in the ethylene purchasing market.

Clariant was one of four companies which have received

claims for damages totalling 1.96 billion euros ($2.30 billion)

which have been lodged with courts in Munich and Dortmund, the

company said.

"Clariant firmly rejects the allegations and will adamantly

defend its position in the proceedings," the company said.

"Clariant has substantiated economic evidence that the

conduct of the parties did not produce any effect on the

market," it added.

($1 = 0.8532 euros)

($1 = 0.8535 euros)