BASF Acquires Chemetall's Complete Coatings Division Solutions

BASF has expanded the scope of its Paints Division portfolio by acquiring Chemetall, Albemarle's global surface treatment company, with the aim of providing more comprehensive solutions. BASF is combining its expertise and experience in chemical and paint applications with Chemetall's market-leading surface treatment expertise. As a result of the merger, the companies will benefit from each other's global infrastructure, scale and market access, delivering unique solution capabilities to customers and generating new growth opportunities. Markus Kamieth, Head of BASF Paints Division, said: "The acquisition of Chemetall will enable us to significantly expand our market. By bringing together the expertise and innovation power of two global market leaders, we will accelerate innovation and make our customers much more successful." Chemetall develops and manufactures specialized technologies and system solutions for surface treatment. Its products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and processing, ensure optimal preparation of parts for the painting process and enable proper paint adhesion. These chemicals are used in numerous industries and end markets such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing and metal forming. Chemetall's revenues for the full year 2015 reached USD 845 million. To prepare for seamless integration, BASF has established a Global Integration Management Team that will ensure business continuity while prioritizing meeting customer needs.