BASF to acquire resins specialist Johnson Polymer

A joint press release by BASF and JohnsonDiversey

BASF supplies pigments and resins for printing and coating CDs.

* Acquisition of a profitable and innovative business with high growth rates
* Addition of water-based technology complements BASF’s coating resins portfolio
* Strengthens global presence with focus on North America

BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany, today (May 2, 2006) announced an agreement to acquire resins manufacturer Johnson Polymer, a subsidiary of JohnsonDiversey Inc. of Sturtevant, Wisconsin, a U.S. cleaning and hygiene products manufacturer. The respective agreement signed on May 1, 2006 provides for a sale price of $470 million on a cash and debt-free basis. Both companies have agreed not to disclose additional financial details of the deal. The transaction, which is still subject to approval by the relevant authorities, is expected to close by the end of June 2006. The parties are also seeking the advice of the Johnson Polymer B.V. (Netherlands) works council prior to finalizing the transaction.

Johnson Polymer is one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of water-based resins. Resins are important raw materials for the production of coatings in the automotive, wood, packaging and printing industries. Johnson Polymer’s water-based product range complements BASF’s existing portfolio, which concentrates mainly on high-solids and UV resins.

The global market for water-based resins is growing at an average of 5 percent per year. In recent years, Johnson Polymer has grown faster than the market and has been profitable. Roughly 60 percent of sales, which were approximately $360 million in 2005, are generated in North America. Johnson Polymer has 430 employees and operates two production sites in the United States and one in the Netherlands, as well as technical centers and offices in Asia Pacific.

“This transaction is a further important step in strengthening BASF’s technology and innovation driven specialty business with performance products. The deal will further improve BASF’s position in a profitable, fast-growing business and open up new areas for innovation,” said BASF Board member Dr. Andreas Kreimeyer. “The acquisition of Johnson Polymer expands our high-growth coating resins business. We are supplementing our expertise in this area with water-based technologies from a customer-focused company with a highly qualified team,” added Patrick Prévost, President of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division. At the same time, BASF will strengthen its market presence, particularly in North America, and will therefore be able to offer its customers a wider range of technologies from a stronger regional base.

“JohnsonDiversey Inc. is pleased to sell this business unit to a company with a strong culture and attention to employees,” said company Chairman S. Curtis Johnson. “I’ve been impressed with the employee focus of BASF,” Mr. Johnson said, “and I’m hopeful this will create new opportunities for our world-class Polymer employees.”

JohnsonDiversey President and CEO Edward Lonergan said that the divestiture represents an important step in refocusing on the company’s core business in the commercial cleaning and hygiene market. “The sale of our Polymer business will give us the financial flexibility to pursue new opportunities for growth in our core business,” said Mr. Lonergan. “This is a critical component of our restructuring program. We’re pleased the acquisition of Polymer is strategic for BASF, allowing us to pursue strategic investments of our own.” He added that JohnsonDiversey intends to use the proceeds from the sale to reduce the company’s debt.

Johnson Polymer’s operations will be integrated into BASF’s Performance Chemicals division. This division produces and markets a broad range of specialty chemicals worldwide. These products include colorants and additives, which, like resins, are used for example in coatings applications. In 2005, the Performance Chemicals division posted sales of €2.9 billion.

Note: A press photo can be downloaded from www.basf.de/pressphotos, search term “performance chemicals.”

About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s intelligent system solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. In 2005, BASF had approximately 81,000 employees and posted sales of more than €42.7 billion. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

About JohnsonDiversey

With sales into more than 140 countries, JohnsonDiversey Inc. is a leading global provider of cleaning and hygiene solutions to the institutional and industrial marketplace. JohnsonDiversey Inc. serves customers in the lodging, food services, retail, health care, food and beverage sectors as well as building service contractors worldwide.

Contact Information

John C. Schmidt

BASF U.S. media contact

BASF

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