BASF and DIC have reached an agreement on the acquisition of BASF’s global pigments business. The purchase price on a cash and debt-free basis is €1.15 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020. The divestiture is subject to the approval of the relevant competition authorities.
Clear Growth Path for DIC
Under the slogan “Color & Comfort,” DIC is active in three segments:
- Packaging & Graphics
- Functional Products
- Color & Display - Includes a portfolio of pigments
“
We have outlined a clear growth path for DIC with the target to increase our sales to 1 trillion yen, i.e. approximately €8 billion, by 2025. In this context, BASF’s pigments portfolio is an important strategic addition in meeting our goals more expeditiously. It will allow us to expand our position as one of the leading pigment suppliers globally and offer our customers even more versatile solutions,” Kaoru Ino, President and Chief Executive Officer of DIC comments on the agreement reached.
Pigments Business to Unfold Full Potential Within DIC
“
We have achieved our goal to find an owner who considers pigments a core strategic business,” says Dr. Markus Kamieth, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, responsible for the Industrial Solutions segment. “
DIC pursues ambitious growth plans and has announced to further develop the business in the coming years. We are convinced that the pigments business will be able to unfold its full potential within DIC.”
For Dr. Alexander Haunschild, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at BASF’s pigment-focused subsidiary BASF Colors & Effects, the agreement is a chance to continue the growth path started in 2016, “
We see DIC as an owner who is willing to invest, committed to innovations and interested in the longer term success of the business.”
Myron Petruch, DIC Executive Officer and Chief Executive Officer of DIC’s group company being active in the pigments market, Sun Chemical, adds, “
As a long-standing business partner of BASF, we value the expertise and engagement of BASF’s employees in the pigments business. By combining our businesses, DIC/Sun confirms the ambition to be one of the most innovative pigment suppliers globally.”
BASF’s pigments business with around 2,600 employees globally generated sales of approximately €1 billion in 2018.
Source: BASF