Kemira acquires BASF AKD emulsion business

Ludwigshafen, Germany and Helsinki, Finland – February 27, 2014 – BASF and Kemira today announced that Kemira will acquire BASF’s global alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) emulsion business. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2014.

“Kemira is a global leader in paper and pulp chemistry and the leading supplier of sizing products for the paper industry. This acquisition of the AKD emulsion business is one part in implementing our strategy and will further strengthen our possibilities to serve our Paper customers especially on the continental European market”, said Kenneth Nystén, Senior Vice President, Regional Business Unit Paper EMEA.

With this transaction BASF, the leading supplier of paper chemistry, will further optimize its paper chemicals portfolio in order to focus on customer-oriented products and solutions to improve the efficiency of paper machines and lower the total cost of operation. “In line with our recent announcement we have evaluated all strategic options for the AKD emulsion business and found an excellent partner in Kemira who will ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted supply of customers”, said Andreas Tuerk, Senior Vice President, Paper Chemicals Europe.

The parties have agreed not to disclose financial details of the agreement.

About BASF

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 with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of about €74 billion in 2013 and over 112,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

About Kemira

Kemirais a global chemicals company serving customers in water-intensive industries. We provide expertise and chemicals that improve our customers' water, energy and raw material efficiency. Our focus is on pulp & paper, oil & gas, mining and water treatment. In 2013, Kemira had annual revenue of EUR 2.2 billion and around 4,500 employees. Kemira shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.kemira.com

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