BASF sells detergent additives business to Catexel
The transaction underscores shifts in the care chemicals sector for detergents.
GERMANY – BASF has agreed to sell its optical brightening agent (OBA) business to Catexel as part of its portfolio optimization strategy.
This move involves transferring production facilities and staff, with the deal set to close soon.
The deal transfers the global operations, including the Monthey, Switzerland production facility and around 80 staff members, with closure targeted for Q1 2026, subject to standard approvals; financial specifics are confidential.
This step supports BASF’s portfolio realignment under its “Winning Ways” framework.
Mary Kurian, President of BASF Care Chemicals, emphasized that the sale assigns a dedicated owner to nurture the OBA business’s growth potential amid focused prioritization efforts.
BASF upholds its status as a premier provider of home care and industrial cleaning ingredients despite the divestment.
The move enables BASF to sharpen its emphasis on high-value segments while sustaining innovation in care chemicals.
Catexel, the care chemicals arm of International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), targets speciality chemicals for detergents, cleaning products, personal care, and industrial uses.
Dr Alexander Snell, Catexel President & CEO, described the purchase, stating, “This acquisition marks another milestone for Catexel.”
“With the state-of-the-art production facility and the experienced team in Switzerland, we are laying the foundation for further growth and innovation.”
“This strengthens our position as a reliable partner for our customers and drives our strategic direction forward.”
This boosts Catexel’s market standing as a dependable supplier with sites in Germany, the USA, and the Netherlands, supported by 220 employees worldwide.
Catexel forms part of ICIG, a private industrial entity with over €4 billion (USD 4.68 billion) in revenue, overseeing platforms such as WeylChem for fine chemicals, Vynova for chlorovinyls, and others, including superabsorbents and solvents.
ICIG runs more than 50 sites across Europe, the US, and India with over 7,150 staff. BASF’s Care Chemicals division delivers a diverse range of ingredients, including surfactants, polymers, and UV filters, for personal care, home care, and technical applications, with global production and development hubs.
In addition, BASF drives sustainable chemistry for customer transitions, employing 112,000 people and posting €65.3 billion(USD 76.4 billion) in sales in 2024 across segments such as Chemicals, Materials, and Nutrition & Care.
However, BASF recently strengthened its position in Asia by launching a new Alkyl Polyglucosides (APG) production facility at its Bangpakong site in Chonburi, Thailand.
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