BASF has finalized its plans for the integration of Ciba Holding AG, which it acquired in April 2009. Under the plans, former Ciba businesses are to be integrated into the operating divisions of BASF’s Performance Products segment. The integration will involve extensive restructuring measures expected to generate synergies of at least €400 million per year from 2012 onward.

The restructuring plans include a reduction of approximately 3,700 positions by 2013, the majority of which will be eliminated by the end of 2010. BASF is reviewing strategic options - including restructuring, sale or closure - for 23 of the 55 former Ciba production sites worldwide. Decisions will be made about these sites by the end of the first quarter of 2010. The remaining 32 production sites are to be optimized as part of BASF’s global production network or restructured. By the end of 2010, BASF also aims to consolidate 36 of the former Ciba’s 70 sales and administrative offices and research sites with existing BASF activities.

As already announced, the company will retain a strong presence in the Basel region. BASF’s new Paper Chemicals division, formed in April, and its Coatings & Starch Europe and Wet End Chemicals business units have been based in Basel since July 1, 2009. In addition, the European business unit for plastic additives and the global units for technology management and the restructuring of the pigments business have been relocated to the former headquarters of Ciba Holding AG in Basel. BASF is also establishing a new Business Center Switzerland in Basel that will function as a service platform for sales, finance, human resources and other activities. A BASF research center will be based in Basel as well.

 For more information, visit www.basf.com.