BASF buys polyurethane specialities business for car window encapsulation from Recticel

* Technology opens up additional potential in the growing market for solar panel applications

Ludwigshafen, Germany and Brussels, Belgium – BASF has signed an agreement with Recticel to acquire the company’s worldwide compounds business for polyurethane (PU) systems for glass encapsulation. The transaction, which is subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities, involves the polyurethane specialties business including Recticel’s patented aliphatic light stable compounds under the brand name Colofast®.

The special PU technology is mainly employed for car glass encapsulation, an attractive niche market for the safe and tight connection of glass panes and car body. PU glass encapsulation is used for 7 percent of all glass applications in the automotive industry worldwide. In future the technology will also be used to considerably simplify and speed up the production process of solar panels.

“By acquiring this business, BASF will achieve an excellent global position in this attractive specialty market,“ said Jacques Delmoitiez, President of BASF’s Polyurethanes division. “At the same time we are adding a further innovative technology to our already comprehensive portfolio of PU solutions. This will open up great potential in the growing market for solar panel applications.“

PU Solutions by BASF
BASF is the leading supplier of polyurethane basic products, systems and specialties. With its global network of more than 30 polyurethane system houses and its comprehensive product and service portfolio, BASF is the preferred partner of its customers in many industries. With its world-scale plants BASF secures its leading market position in the manufacture of polyurethane basic products in all regions of the world.

About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner BASF helps 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 has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.