BASF Catalysts Presents at Annual Chemistry Council of New Jersey Meeting

ISELIN, NJ, May 2, 2007 — BASF Catalysts, a new global division of BASF, was introduced yesterday to members of the Chemistry Council of New Jersey at the organization's Annual Spring Conference in Galloway Township. BASF Catalysts comprises the catalyst businesses of BASF and Engelhard Corporation, which BASF purchased last June in the largest acquisition of its 143-year history.

Headquartered in Iselin, BASF Catalysts employs 5,000 people at more than 35 locations worldwide. The division's New Jersey employment totals 500 at three locations, including a global R&D Center for Catalysis in Iselin and one of the world's largest emission-testing laboratories in Union.

Speaking to the gathering of senior New Jersey chemical industry executives, Dr. Robert Ianniello, Director, Research & Development Chemicals, Polymerization, and Refining Catalysis, said "Some of the most important advances in catalysis — like the catalytic converter that cleans automotive emissions — were developed right here in New Jersey. Following the acquisition, BASF decided New Jersey continues to be the best location for a global catalysis business."

Dr. Ianniello noted that the combination of BASF's and Engelhard's expertise and assets has created the world's leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. He also said the division's focus will be on technologies that support global sustainability by protecting the air and making production of fuels, chemicals and plastics more efficient.

"Combining BASF's global manufacturing and process engineering expertise, and strong commitment to R&D, with Engelhard's expertise in catalysis and precious metals is already yielding many new opportunities to help our customers be more successful," he said.

Dr. Ianniello is one of more than 600 scientists working at BASF Catalysts worldwide. He is based at the R&D center in Iselin, supervising a department of over 200 professionals who research and develop a range of chemical, polymerization and petroleum refining catalysts.
Dr. Ianniello has been with BASF Catalysts since 1998. Prior to joining the company, he was Director of Pharmaceutical, Agricultural, and Beverage Technology at International Specialty Products in Wayne, New Jersey. Dr. Ianniello has published approximately 34 research papers and holds 10 patents.

BASF Catalysts operates in three areas:

• Environmental Technologies is a pioneer in emission-control technologies and a leading provider of catalysts for automotive catalytic converters. Advanced catalyst technology is now enabling diesel trucks, buses and other sources of emissions meet increasingly strict US and European standards. For example, new catalyst systems designed specifically for diesel engines are making it possible to cut diesel pollution by more than 90 percent.
• Process Technologies enables efficient production of fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics and many other important products. This area has developed breakthrough technologies such as new petroleum refining catalysts based on a unique technology platform, called "DMS", that enable dramatic increases in the yield of gasoline and other fuels from crude oil.
• Material Services creates value for BASF customers by effectively sourcing, financing, recycling and managing risk and security for the precious metals that are vital to catalysis.

The Chemistry Council of New Jersey (CCNJ), founded in 1955, is the premier trade and advocacy organization representing the interests of about 100 New Jersey manufacturers in the business of chemistry. Membership consists of large and small companies that are part of New Jersey’s chemical, pharmaceutical, consumer products, petroleum, flavor & fragrances and precious metals industries. The CCNJ is committed to a better quality of life through science.

BASF Catalysts, part of the BASF 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, adsorbents and other products.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF's high-value products and intelligent system solutions help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to meet the challenges of the future and open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has approximately 95,000 employees and posted sales of €52.6 billion in 2006. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.