BASF and Catexel successfully closed the sale of BASF's optical brightening agent division at the end of February 2026. Used primarily in detergent formulations, the business's valuation remains undisclosed per a mutual agreement between both parties.

The transaction comprises the international business including the production of optical brightening agents at the Monthey site in Switzerland. As part of the divestment, around 80 employees transfer to Catexel.

Catexel is the Care Chemicals platform of the International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), specializing in high-quality specialty chemicals for detergents and cleaning products, personal care, and industrial applications.

BASF remains a leading supplier of a comprehensive portfolio of ingredients for personal care, home care, industrial & institutional cleaning, and technical applications.