BASF is selling its silicates business—including the Düsseldorf/Holthausen manufacturing assets—to U.S.-based PQ. The deal is slated to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Both companies have mutually opted to keep the financial details of the transaction undisclosed.

Under the terms of the agreement, PQ will acquire the sodium silicates business and the associated activities at BASF’s Düsseldorf/Holthausen site. PQ expects to continue and further develop the business under its ownership ensuring business continuity for customers and partners.

PQ is a supplier of silicates, silicas and derivative products, with worldwide reach. Silicates are versatile inorganic materials used in a wide range of everyday and industrial applications, including in the rubber and “Green Tire” industry, paints and coatings, geotechnical applications as well as laundry detergents and cleaning products.

“The sale of the silicates business is the result of a thorough strategic assessment within the Care Chemicals division,” said Jordi Tormo Blasco, Vice President Business Management Industrial Formulators Europe at BASF. “With PQ, we have found a buyer with extensive experience in silicate production who can offer the business a sustainable long-term perspective. From the outset, it was important for us to identify a robust solution for the future of the business as well as a partner with whom we expect to continue close cooperation, given our continued presence at the Düsseldorf site.”

“BASF’s silicates business is an excellent strategic fit for our existing silicate network,” said Al Beninati, President and CEO of PQ. “The site’s central geographic location, highly skilled workforce, existing long-term partnerships with key customers and world-class facility provide an excellent foundation for further growth of the business. This acquisition will further enable PQ to serve our global customers with reliable quality and cost-effective solutions.”

At this time, operations of BASF’s silicates business will remain unchanged and following the completion of the transaction, the companies expect a seamless transition for customers and partners.