BASF has signed an agreement with the investor group of Germany-based inge watertechnologies AG to acquire the company and its ultrafiltration membrane business. ?This transaction is an important step in strengthening BASF?s technology and innovation driven business and is in line with our focus on addressing major global challenges. The deal will further improve BASF?s position in the water treatment industry, which is an attractive and fast-growing market and helps to improve quality of life everywhere,? said Dr. John Feldmann, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF and responsible for the Performance Products segment.

The investor group and BASF have agreed not to disclose financial details of the deal. The transaction, which is subject to approval by competent merger control authorities, is expected to close within the third quarter of 2011.

"By entering the water treatment membranes business we are convinced that we can develop unique combinations of membrane and chemical technologies based on BASF?s polymer research and water treatment application know-how, " said Hans W. Reiners, President of BASF?s Performance Chemicals division. Dr. Matthias Halusa, Vice President of BASF?s Water Solutions Business added: "We will be in the unique position to offer performance-based package systems including chemicals and membrane equipment. This is an important step in our growth strategy for this business."

Ultrafiltration membrane technology is a low-pressure membrane technique used to separate particles and microorganisms from water. Driving market demand for this technology is the increasing need for reusing and recycling water, low footprint technology and better water quality for drinking water production as well as wastewater treatment before discharge.

With the acquisition of the water treatment business as part of the Ciba acquisition in 2009, BASF has become a leading supplier of organic flocculants and coagulants, which are key technologies for water treatment processes. BASF?s aims to strategically bundle the products and know-how relevant to the water treatment industry by creating a strong platform which will allow the business to profitably expand its market position further.