Overview
- BASF and Evonik confirmed exploratory talks and BASF has been reported to offer between about €22.15 and €24 per Evonik share as discussions continue.
- BASF CEO Markus Kamieth issued a public video pledge that operational dismissals would be excluded until 2032 and that collective agreements and social partnership would be preserved.
- Evonik is said to have rebuffed an earlier roughly €14 billion approach and has separately been reviewing a possible acquisition of U.S. peer Ashland as an alternative strategy.
- The RAG‑Stiftung, which holds about 43% of Evonik and manages long-term coal‑related liabilities, is the pivotal shareholder whose consent would be needed for any sale.
- No binding transaction has been announced and the deal faces key hurdles, including RAG‑Stiftung approval, union and state acceptance for jobs and sites, and likely regulatory review, with the fate of the Marl and Wesseling chemical parks central to local impact.