BASF Plans to Raise Dividend to EUR 1.70 Per Share.

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany -- BASF (NYSE:BF) (FWB:BAS) (LSE:BFA) Plans to Raise Dividend to EUR 1.70 Per Share.

--Dividend yield 3.21 percent

--Dividend to be paid out on April 29, 2005

At the Annual Meeting on April 28, 2005, the Board of Executive Directors and the Supervisory Board of BASF Aktiengesellschaft are proposing to pay an increased dividend for 2004 of EUR 1.70 (previous year EUR 1.40) per share.

On the basis of the number of qualifying shares as of December 31, 2004, this would correspond to a total dividend payout of EUR 919 million. As a result of the continuation of the share buyback program, the total dividend payable will be EUR 913 million based on the number of qualifying shares as of February 22, 2005.

Relative to the 2004 year-end share price of EUR 53, BASF shareholders will thus receive a dividend yield of 3.21 percent. In terms of the dividend yield, BASF shares therefore continue to occupy a very good position among companies listed in Germany's DAX index.

Since 1994, BASF has raised its dividend per share in eight out of ten years; it remained unchanged in two years. This shows BASF's interest in providing its shareholders with an attractive dividend yield. Subject to approval by the Annual Meeting, the dividend will be paid out on April 29, 2005.

BASF will report its financial results for 2004 in detail at its Annual Press Conference on March 9, 2005. There will also be a conference for financial analysts on the same day.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company. Our goal is to grow profitably and further increase the value of our company. We help our customers to be more successful through intelligent system solutions and high-quality products. BASF's portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. Through new technologies we can tap into additional market opportunities. We conduct our business in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), Paris (BA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

Forward-looking statements

This release contains forward-looking statements under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of BASF management and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of BASF to be materially different from those that may be expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include those discussed in BASF's Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this release.