BASF grants license for manufacture of lithium-ion cathode precursor materials to OM Group, Inc.

ISELIN, NJ, May 30, 2012 – BASF Corporation, through its Ovonic battery materials affiliate, today announced that it has granted OM Group, Inc. (OMG) a royalty-bearing license covering cathode precursor materials used in lithium-ion batteries. The license also covers the proprietary processes used to manufacture these materials. 

Ovonic, based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, is the global leader in nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery technology and a leading producer of cathode materials and their precursors for both NiMH and lithium-ion batteries.

Ovonic has a formidable portfolio of more than 220 worldwide patents covering its cathode materials and precursors, as well as its innovative production processes for manufacturing such materials. Since 1996, Ovonic has produced mixed metal oxide cathode materials in its Troy, Michigan, facility using its proprietary production processing technology.

“We are pleased to establish a process and materials licensing agreement with OMG following the successful completion of a joint development program that has proven the applicability of Ovonic’s technology in meeting OMG’s exacting requirements,” said Ralf Meixner, Senior Vice-President of BASF’s Battery Materials business.  “We remain committed to driving our customers’ success by providing low-cost, high-yield solutions for the manufacture of high-quality cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.”

“We have found Ovonic’s proprietary manufacturing process to be a flexible, cost-effective solution for OMG,” said Steve Dunmead, Vice President and General Manager, Specialties, OMG. “The Ovonic license allows for the production of a wide range of cathode precursor materials including nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) and nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) chemistries for lithium-ion batteries, which provides a strong fit with our business needs.”

About BASF’s Catalysts Division

BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products, including advanced battery materials. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF’s Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success. Further information on BASF’s Catalysts division is available on the Internet at www.catalysts.com. www.catalysts.basf.com.

About OM Group, Inc.

OM Group, Inc. (NYSE: OMG) develops the innovative materials, systems and technologies necessary to power fast-growing, global applications such as mobile energy storage, electronic devices, renewable energy and automotive systems. With 2011 pro forma net sales of $1.9 billion, OM Group is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio and operates manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.omgi.com/.

BASF – The Chemical Company

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 16,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $19.9 billion in 2011. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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