BASF has signed an agreement to acquire Albemarle’s global surface treatment business, Chemetall. The purchase price is US$3.2bn. The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant authorities and is expected to close by the end of 2016.

Chemetall is a global technology and innovation leader in the metals surface treatment market, and is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. It has approximately 2,500 employees globally, and operates 21 production sites in more than 20 countries, as well as 10 R&D locations and 24 sales offices. For the full calendar year of 2015, its sales were $845mn.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

“Chemetall offers a strong strategic fit for our coatings business, and supports BASF’s aim to grow profitably in downstream, innovation and solution-focused businesses,” said Wayne T. Smith, member of the board of executive directors of BASF SE, responsible for the coatings division.

Chemetall develops and manufactures customised technology and system solutions for surface treatment. Their products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and machining, allow parts to be optimally prepared for the painting process and ensure proper coating adhesion. These chemicals are used in a wide range of industries and end-markets, primarily automotive, aerospace, coil, and metal forming.

“Chemetall complements our current portfolio by adding the highly attractive surface treatment business to our coatings offerings. We look forward to joining forces with Chemetall’s industry-leading expert team to further advance innovation and know-how-driven surface technologies for our customers around the world,” said Markus Kamieth, president of BASF’s coatings division.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now