BASF to Sell MEYCO Equipment Business to Atlas Copco

-Business with equipment for tunneling and mining will complement Atlas Copco’s current mining and rock excavation technique business
-Operations at the Winterthur site to be maintained
-BASF continues to provide chemical solutions for tunneling and mining


Ludwigshafen, Germany – – BASF has signed a contract with Atlas Copco to sell its MEYCO Equipment business providing concrete spraying machines to the tunneling and mining industries. The machinery manufacturer, which is based in Stockholm, Sweden, will continue operations at the only production site of MEYCO Equipment in Winterthur, Switzerland. Currently, about 40 employees work in the MEYCO Equipment business at the Winterthur site and the sales and service office in Hermsdorf, Germany. All employees will be transferred to the new owner. The business achieved sales of about €20 million in 2011. Both parties have agreed to not disclose financial details of the transaction. The purchase is subject to approval by the relevant authorities and legal closing of the transaction is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2013.



In BASF, MEYCO Equipment is part of the Construction Chemicals division’s global underground construction activities providing mainly chemical solutions for tunneling and mining. Chemicals optimizing the properties of sprayed concrete strongly contribute to the efficiency of the spraying process and the quality of its final results. However, the business of engineering, assembling and selling concrete spraying machines is driven by success factors different from the chemical industry.



“Atlas Copco offers excellent conditions for the future development of MEYCO Equipment as a machinery business,” said Dr. Tilman Krauch, President of BASF’s Construction Chemicals division. “At the same time it is our goal to maintain the benefit of optimized solution packages consisting of machines and chemicals. Therefore, we aim to establish a close partnership with Atlas Copco in the field of product development,” explained Krauch.



“The acquisition of MEYCO Equipment is a good strategic fit for Atlas Copco as it broadens the offering for our existing customers by equipment for shotcreting,” said Bob Fassl, Business Area President for Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Technique. “Shotcreting is a growth segment thanks to high safety requirements in tunneling and we look forward to introducing these products through our global sales channels, both to mining and underground civil construction customers.”



Atlas Copco is an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors, expanders and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. Atlas Copco’s Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area provides equipment for drilling and rock excavation, a complete range of related consumables and service through a global network.



About the Construction Chemicals division

BASF’s Construction Chemicals division is the leading supplier of chemical systems and formulations for the construction industry. Continuous innovation and tailor-made solutions ensure its customers are more successful. Its product portfolio comprises admixture systems, cement additives, solutions for underground construction, repair systems and performance grouts, expansion control systems, waterproofing solutions and sealants, flooring systems, tile fixing systems, wall systems and solutions for wood protection. The division operates production sites and sales centers in more than 60 countries and achieved sales of about €2.2 billion with approximately 7,000 employees in 2011.



About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.