BASF or a merger/acquisition of Evonik!!

【Answer 1】【Polymer Circular Recycling】 learned that, on September 22, European media cited reports from M&A information providers Mergermarket and Dealreporter stating that BASF had conducted preliminary discussions this year regarding a potential merger with German specialty chemicals company Evonik. The news drove Evonik’s share price up by as much as 4.8% that day. However, multiple sources simultaneously noted that, constrained by factors including financial capacity and ongoing business divestiture processes, the transaction is unlikely to materialize in the near term. The report indicates that five insiders disclosed details of the discussions to the media. It confirms that both companies have initiated related talks; any substantive follow-up actions would proceed exclusively at the executive leadership level. Multiple insiders pointed out that the idea of a BASF–Evonik merger is not new—it has appeared on corporate board agendas for years, with conceptual deliberations stretching back nearly two decades, remaining largely at the ideation stage. Several insiders candidly acknowledged that this deal, publicly labeled a “merger,” is in essence a BASF acquisition of Evonik. Financial pressure and ongoing business divestiture plans constitute the core constraints impeding short-term progress. Sources indicated that BASF currently faces tight liquidity and will not launch such a major acquisition before completing the IPO of its Agricultural Solutions business. BASF has recently appointed Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase as global coordinators for this IPO, with the listing expected to occur no earlier than mid-2027. Polymer circular recycling—covering plastics, fibers, rubber, and resin-based composites—is a critical global initiative for achieving carbon neutrality and green transformation, and an inevitable trend in industrial development. Building upon the first three editions, the 2026 (4th) Polymer Circularity and Recycling Conference (PCRC 2026) will be held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, from December 17–19, 2026. Centered on the theme “Advanced Recycling • High-Value Regeneration • Industrial Collaboration,” the conference focuses on recycling technologies and applications for plastics, fibers, rubber, and resin-based composite materials. It brings together academia, research institutes, and industry to exchange insights on advanced recycling technologies, design of recyclable materials, and practical industrial applications—accelerating technology transfer and upstream-downstream collaboration. The conference will host three concurrent events: the Dynamic Polymers & Recyclable Materials Design Forum; the Exhibition of Polymer Circular Recycling Materials and Equipment Technologies; and the Exhibition of Innovative Achievements in Polymer Circular Recycling—further promoting knowledge sharing, cooperation, industrial synergy, and market alignment within the resource-circularity sector. Experts and enterprises across the value chain are warmly invited to participate, exchange ideas, and explore collaboration! 01 Organizational Structure Conference Name 2026 (4th) Polymer Circularity and Recycling Conference Polymer Circularity and Recycling Conference (PCRC 2026)

BASF confirms: acquiring Evonik—negotiations underway!

【Answer 2】 (Click the image to learn more about the conference) As part of its corporate strategy, BASF continuously evaluates strategic acquisition opportunities that strengthen its “core businesses,” demonstrate high strategic fit, drive profitable growth, and create value. Throughout this process, BASF consistently adheres to principles of prudence and rigor. Both companies are German chemical enterprises: BASF is the world’s largest chemical company by sales revenue, while Evonik is a leader in specialty chemicals. In fiscal year 2025, BASF reported sales of €59.657 billion and EBITDA (excluding special items) of €6.554 billion—a 9.5% decline year-on-year—primarily driven by reduced earnings across its core businesses (Chemicals, Industrial Solutions, Materials, Nutrition & Care). Despite adverse currency headwinds and pricing pressures, the company has advanced cost reduction and portfolio optimization under its “Winning with Purpose” strategy. Its Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions businesses delivered earnings growth, partially offsetting the decline in core operations.

Evonik Rejects €10.3 Billion Offer From Rival BASF, Report Says

Sep 28, 2026

Evonik Industries rejected a €10.3 billion takeover bid from BASF, deeming the offer too low for negotiations. BASF maintains that exploratory talks remain open despite Evonik confirming no active discussions.

bloomberg

2026-01-21

Evonik: Strengthen Local Innovation and Global Technology Synergy

2026-09-16

Evonik to Close Two German Production Sites by 2027

2026-09-24

Evonik Strengthens Growth Strategy, Shifting Investment Focus to Asia and Americas

2026-09-25

BASF Confirms Talks to Acquire German Specialty Firm Evonik

2026-09-25

Evonik and RAG confirm BASF’s takeover approach