BASF share buy back of E1.5 billion planned

04-May-05

With the aim to reduce the equity ratio and increase earnings per share, the Board of Executive Directors of BASF plans to buy back shares for a further €1.5 billion in the course of 2005 starting in April. This is a continuation of the company's share buyback program. The acquired shares will be cancelled after the completion of buy back program, thus reducing the share capital of BASF Aktiengesellschaft. The initail share buyback program announced in February 2004, was increased by €500 million to €1 billion in October 2004, was completed at the end of March 2005. As part of this program, a total of 21.3 million shares were bought back at an average price of €46.95, of which 15.4 million have already been cancelled. Since the beginning of 1999, BASF has bought back more than 102 million shares for about €4.25 billion, corresponding to 16.4% of BASF's share capital as of 31.12.1998.