Significant Events

On September 18, 2017, BASF and Solvay signed an agreement on the acquisition of Solvay’s global polyamide business by BASF. The purchase price on a cash and debt-free basis is €1.6 billion. According to applicable laws, the intended transaction is subject to consultations with the relevant social bodies of Solvay. Solvay and BASF aim to close the transaction in the third quarter of 2018 after regulatory approvals have been obtained and the consent of a joint venture partner has been received. The acquisition would complement BASF’s engineering plastics portfolio and expand the company’s position as a solutions provider for the transportation, construction and consumer goods industries as well as for other industrial applications. Solvay’s global polyamide business includes some 2,400 employees worldwide. BASF plans to integrate this business into the Performance Materials and Monomers divisions.

On October 2, 2017, BASF and the Stahl group of companies announced the closing of the transfer of BASF’s leather chemicals business to the Stahl group. Stahl took over operations as of September 30, 2017. In return, BASF received a 16% share in the Stahl group as well as a payment.

On October 13, 2017, BASF and Bayer signed an agreement on BASF’s acquisition of significant parts of Bayer’s seed and non-selective herbicide businesses. Bayer intends to divest these assets in connection with the planned acquisition of Monsanto. The purchase price amounts to €5.9 billion1, subject to certain adjustments at closing. The agreement involves over 1,800 employees worldwide. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2018, subject to the closing of Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto and approval by the relevant authorities. With this acquisition, BASF aims to strengthen its herbicide portfolio and enter into its own seed business in key agricultural markets.

1 The purchase price does not include the value of net working capital.