BASF, Takeda Merge Bulk Vitamin Operations

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany--BASF and Takeda Chemical Industries Ltd. [Osaka, Japan] will combine their bulk vitamin businesses into one entity. This development includes transferring part of Takeda's assets to BASF. The transaction will mostly affect Takeda's bulk vitamin business in Japan.

The shares of Takeda Vitamin & Food USA Inc., and its subsidiary, Takeda Canada Vitamin and Food Inc., as well as Takeda Europe GmbH and Takeda Vitamin & Food Asia Pte. Ltd. will be transferred to BASF. As a result of the purchase, BASF will hold a 66-percent stake in Takeda in Japan. Outside of Japan, BASF will have the sole responsibility for marketing bulk vitamins manufactured by both companies.

According to BASF, [following regulatory approval] the companies will have approximately 30 percent of the worldwide vitamins market. [Takeda has a strong presence in the United States, Germany, Singapore, Japan and other locations; BASF also has a worldwide presence.]

The combined company will have a strengthened marketing and sales organization and will provide "one-stop shopping" for food, pharmaceutical and feed customers, according to the companies. The purchase is the result of a BASF investment program, put in place to enhance its return on sales by expanding its vitamin production. The company expects to increase its manufacturing capabilities and expand its range of products over the next few years. For more information, visit www.takeda.co.jp or www.basf.com.