BASF to acquire ultrafiltration specialist inge watertechnologies AG

*Broadens technology base for BASF’s water platform
*Helps to profitably expand market position in water treatment business

Ludwigshafen , Germany , – BASF has signed an agreement with the investor group of Germany-based inge watertechnologies AG to acquire the company and its ultrafiltration membrane business.



inge watertechnologies AG is a global leading provider of ultrafiltration technology, a membrane process used in the treatment of drinking water, process water, wastewater and sea water. It is headquartered in the town of Greifenberg near Munich in Germany and employs about 85 staff. With a global reach, the company’s range of products include highly-efficient ultrafiltration modules and cost-effective rack designs which are the core components of water treatment plants.



“This transaction is an important step in strengthening BASF’s technology and innovation driven business and is in line with our focus on addressing major global challenges. The deal will further improve BASF’s position in the water treatment industry, which is an attractive and fast-growing market and helps to improve quality of life everywhere,” said Dr. John Feldmann, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF and responsible for the Performance Products segment.



The investor group and BASF have agreed not to disclose financial details of the deal. The transaction, which is subject to approval by competent merger control authorities, is expected to close within the third quarter of 2011.



“By entering the water treatment membranes business we are convinced that we can develop unique combinations of membrane and chemical technologies based on BASF’s polymer research and water treatment application know-how, ” said Hans W. Reiners, President of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division. Dr. Matthias Halusa, Vice President of BASF’s Water Solutions Business added: “We will be in the unique position to offer performance-based package systems including chemicals and membrane equipment. This is an important step in our growth strategy for this business.”



Ultrafiltration membrane technology is a low-pressure membrane technique used to separate particles and microorganisms from water. Driving market demand for this technology is the increasing need for reusing and recycling water, low footprint technology and better water quality for drinking water production as well as wastewater treatment before discharge.



With the acquisition of the water treatment business as part of the Ciba acquisition in 2009, BASF has become a leading supplier of organic flocculants and coagulants, which are key technologies for water treatment processes. BASF’s aims to strategically bundle the products and know-how relevant to the water treatment industry by creating a strong platform which will allow the business to profitably expand its market position further.



“At inge watertechnologies we are pleased to join a global player like BASF with its innovative strength, its worldwide customer base and its financial power. This will open up new areas for innovation and broaden our market reach,” said company Chief Executive Officer Bruno Steis. Dr. Peter Berg, CTO and company co-founder added: “I am convinced that our company, our team and notably our customers will benefit from this ideal partner.”

About inge watertechnologies AG

inge watertechnologies, based in Greifenberg, Germany, is a world’s leading provider of ultrafiltration membrane technology used to treat drinking water, process water, wastewater and sea water. The company has completed numerous reference projects around the globe featuring its patented Multibore® membrane. The extremely small-pore filters of the inge technology reliably intercept particles and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, thereby providing a dependable source of clean water. inge has offices in Germany, China, and Turkey and is backed by BayTech Venture Capital, Emerald Technology Ventures, Entrepreneurs Fund, Siemens Venture Capital, Stone Fund and Taprogge. Further information is available at www.inge.ag.



About BASF’s Water Treatment Chemicals

The product range of BASF’s Water Solutions business includes products used in the key processes of municipal and industrial water treatment: products to clarify the raw water used for the production of potable water, as well as treating the wastewater stream and reducing sludge volumes. Its products are marketed worldwide and the company is one of the leading suppliers in these fields. Further information on the products may be found at: www.watersolutions.basf.com



About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and agricultural products to oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of about €63.9 billion in 2010 and had approximately 109,000 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 or in its Social Media Newsroom at newsroom.basf.com.