Seattle, WA, USA--(Jobwerx)--APRIL 19, 2005--The anti-trust authorities approved the transaction unconditionally on April 15, 2005, of the acquisition of the global electronic chemicals business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, by BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen.

The acquisition includes Merck’s production sites and distribution centers for high-purity chemicals in Taiwan, Malaysia, China, Singapore, France, the Netherlands and Germany.

Merck employees in Darmstadt, who have already been toll manufacturing for Merck Electronic Chemicals, will remain with Merck and continue to manufacture for BASF for the next three years.

The divestment is in line with Merck’s stated business strategy of "focused diversification," that is, concentrating on innovation-driven businesses in both the pharmaceutical and chemicals sectors that have high potential for long-term profitability.

Through the acquisition of these new activities, BASF will become a leading supplier of electronic chemicals for the rapidly growing semiconductor industry and for the production of flat screens, another area that shows high growth rates. The business acquired from Merck will help develop BASF’s electronic chemicals business, and will significantly strengthen BASF’s market position in Europe and Asia.

Merck Electronic Chemicals has operated as a legally independent company wholly owned by Merck KGaA since January 1, 2003. The business had sales of about EUR 200 million in 2004. About 600 employees will transfer to BASF.

Latest Market Report: 04/18/ 5:35 pm - Merck KGaA (DE0006599905) XETRA: 60.25 EUR -1.74%

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