BASF/Takeda Merger Approved by German Authorities

BASF/Takeda Merger Approved by German Authorities

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany--The acquisition of Japan-based Takeda ChemicalIndustries by BASF Aktiengesellschaft, based here, has been approved by theGerman antitrust authorities. The merger was approved by the U.S. Department ofJustice in August.

According to Christian Dudeck, president of BASF's Fine Chemicals Division,the approval was a crucial move toward finalizing the merger. "Theintegration of Takeda's vitamin business into our operations is proceedingsmoothly and rapidly," he said. The acquisition will strengthen BASF'sposition in the global vitamin market, giving it approximately a 30-percentshare of the market worldwide. For more information, visit www.basf.com.