BASF Completes Acquisition Of Becker Underwood
November 28, 2012 
BASF has completed the acquisition of Becker Underwood from Norwest Equity Partners, a U.S.-based private equity investment company, for $1.02 billion. With the acquisition, BASF is now a global technology provider for biological seed treatment, as well as seed treatment colorants and polymers. BASF has also expanded its product portfolio in the areas of biological crop protection, turf and horticulture, animal nutrition and landscape colorants and coatings.
“The acquisition fits very well with our long-term growth strategy,” says Dr. Andreas Kreimeyer, a member of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors responsible for the Agricultural Solutions segment and research executive director. “It will provide our customers with an even broader range of innovative solutions for agriculture. And it also provides our new colleagues with access to BASF’s global R&D platform as well as new markets and customers.”
Joining Companies, Employees In 2013
In the coming months, a detailed integration plan will be developed by a joint team of BASF and Becker Underwood employees. Most of Becker Underwood’s businesses will join the newly-established Functional Crop Care unit, which is a part of BASF’s Crop Protection division. Within this new unit, BASF will merge its existing research, development and marketing activities in the areas of seed treatment, biological crop protection, plant health, as well as water and resource management with those of Becker Underwood. Becker Underwood’s animal nutrition business will be integrated into BASF’s Nutrition & Health division.
The newly formed global Functional Crop Care unit will become effective Jan. 1, 2013. Dr. Jürgen Huff, BASF’s senior vice president, will head the new group.
Dr. Peter Innes, the present CEO of Becker Underwood, has accepted the position of Global Senior Advisor to the Crop Protection division. He will support the integration of Becker Underwood into BASF and the implementation of the Functional Crop Care unit.
“Now we are focused on an integration that is as seamless as possible for our customers and our employees,” says Markus Heldt, president of BASF’s Crop Protection division. “Becker Underwood will be a cornerstone of our Functional Crop Care unit and we are looking forward to further developing our business together with our new colleagues.”
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