BASF Buys Becker Underwood for $1 Billion

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GermanyBASF announced it will acquire Becker Underwood, a biological seed treatment provider. The acquisition, which cost US$1.02 billion, will close by the end of 2012.

Becker Underwood has 10 production sites worldwide and nearly 500 employees. The company produces seed treatment colors and polymers, and products in biological crop protection, turf and horticulture, animal nutrition and landscape colorants and coatings. Becker Underwood expects to reach US$240 million in sales during the 2012 fiscal year, and BASF hopes the acquisition will bolster its existing research, development and marketing in the industry. Similarly, BASF opened its expanded food technology and applications center in New Jersey in June.