BASF to discontinue Ciba JV plans with Astra Polymer, mull alternatives investment options

12-Jul-10

BASF and Astra Polymer Compounding Co. Ltd., Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have arrived at a decision to discontinue plans for a joint venture to produce customer specific antioxidant blends (CSB) in the Middle East Region. The JV plans were based on an agreement between Astra Polymer and the Plastic Additives business of former Ciba AG which has been acquired by BASF in 2009. This termination will not impact the existing tolling agreement between the two partners to produce customer specific antioxidant blends for the region. "We are convinced of the strategic importance of the Middle East Region and the need for a local production unit for customer specific blends," says John Frijns, Senior Vice President Plastic Additives Europe/EAWA at BASF. "A thorough evaluation following the integration of the legacy Ciba Plastic Additives business into BASF has furnished new options that will deliver more value to both, our customers and BASF.” As the leading Plastic Additives supplier worldwide, BASF is committed to support polymer growth in the Middle East with local production as well as the services that customers demand in the Middle East Region. The company is currently finalizing its evaluation of several investment options for the production of customer specific antioxidant blends.