BASF acquires Johnson Polymer.

The acquisition of resins manufacturer Johnson Polymer by BASF was closed on July 1, 2006. The acquisition includes Johnson Polymer's production sites in the U.S. and the Netherlands, as well as technical centers and offices in Asia Pacific. It provides BASF with a range of water-based resins that complements its existing resins portfolio and will strengthen the company's market presence, particularly in North America. The former Johnson Polymer business, which employs a total staff of 430 worldwide, will become part of BASF's Performance Chemicals division.

"This acquisition opens up new areas for innovation in a profitable and fast-growing segment of our specialty business. We will now proceed to integrate Johnson Polymer's resins business quickly into our existing performance chemicals operations," said BASF board member Andreas Kreimeyer. "Our team is looking forward to welcoming their new colleagues and working together to develop products and technologies that will help to make our customers more successful," added Patrick Prevost, president of BASF's Performance Chemicals division.