Overview
- BASF contacted Evonik with a non‑binding exploratory approach aimed at a voluntary public takeover of all shares, a step the companies and the RAG‑Stiftung confirmed was announced last Friday.
- Evonik says no substantive talks are currently taking place and BASF describes the sondierungen as open with no binding offer yet on the table.
- The RAG‑Stiftung holds about 44 percent of Evonik and is the decisive shareholder whose position will shape whether any formal offer can move forward.
- The chemical union IGBCE has voiced strong skepticism and demanded clear commitments on jobs, site investment and protections given ongoing restructuring at both firms.
- Because both groups are already cutting staff and reorganizing, the next developments to watch are the RAG‑Stiftung’s stance, any formal bid from BASF, and potential shareholder and regulatory review that would follow a binding offer.