LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany – BASF SE, the world’s largest chemicals company by revenue, has made an offer to acquire Ciba Holding AG in a deal valued at approximately €3.8 billion.

The merger of the activities of BASF and Ciba would extend BASF’s position as a preferred supplier to the plastics industry and make BASF the second-largest supplier of coating effect materials. In the plastics additives market, BASF would expand its portfolio by gaining important product segments such as UV stabilizers and antioxidants. In the area of coating effect materials, the combination of BASF and Ciba would offer an extensive range of pigments, resins and additives.

In addition, the planned acquisition would strengthen BASF’s presence in emerging countries and improve its market position in important industries such as automotive, packaging, construction, electronics and water purification.