九月 2012

Bayer CropScience: Geared for Sustainable Growth • EUR 7 billion investment program to fuel further growth

The headquarter of Bayer CropScience AG in Monheim, Germany. In the center the Tropicarium, a patch of tropical rain forest under glass. (Image: Bayer CropScience AG)

Monheim, September 20, 2012 – Bayer CropScience has a robust strategy in place and is geared for continued strong growth over the mid-term, said CEO Sandra Peterson at the company’s annual press conference. “Bayer CropScience is on track for above market growth,” she said. Backing the company’s ambitions are plans to invest a total of EUR 7 billion between 2011 and 2016 in Research and Development (R&D) and an expansion of production capacities and seed processing facilities.

BASF to strengthen global crop protection business with acquisition of Becker Underwood • BASF to become a global leader in biological seed treatments • Strategic growth field Functional Crop Care strengthened

BASF to strengthen global crop protection business with acquisition of Becker Underwood (Image: BASF)

Ludwigshafen, Germany – September 20, 2012 – BASF plans to acquire Becker Underwood for a price of $1.02 billion (€785 million). The company, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, is one of the leading global providers of technologies for biological seed treatment, seed treatment colors and polymers, as well as products in the areas of biological crop protection, turf and horticulture, animal nutrition and landscape colorants and coatings. Becker Underwood has 10 production sites worldwide and 479 employees. BASF came to an agreement with Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) to acquire Becker Underwood which has been a portfolio company of NEP since 2004. The purchase is subject to approval by the responsible authorities and legal closing of the transaction is expected by the end of 2012.