Finance

BASF initiates sale of coatings business at about $6.8 billion valuation, Bloomberg News reports

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 31, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
BASF initiates sale of coatings business at about $6.8 billion valuation, Bloomberg News reports
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

(Reuters) -German chemicals maker BASF SE has in recent weeks sent out information to potential suitors for a sale of its coatings business at a valuation of about 6 billion euros ($6.81 billion),

BASF Begins Process to Sell Coatings Business Valued at $6.8 Billion

(Reuters) -German chemicals maker BASF SE has in recent weeks sent out information to potential suitors for a sale of its coatings business at a valuation of about 6 billion euros ($6.81 billion), Bloomberg News reported on Friday.

Carlyle Group and paint maker Sherwin-Williams are considering bidding together for BASF's coatings unit, the report said. The business has also attracted early interest from CVC Capital Partners and Lone Star Funds, Bloomberg added.

Private equity firms including Advent, Bain Capital, Blackstone and Platinum Equity are also separately planning to evaluate the business, the report further said.

BASF's finance chief earlier this month said that the German chemical maker would be sounding out the market for potential buyers' interest in its coatings division during the second quarter.

"We are approaching the market to explore strategic options for the remaining coatings activities," a BASF spokesperson told Bloomberg News.

Reuters couldn't immediately verify the report and BASF did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In December 2023, BASF announced plans to turn its agriculture, battery materials and coatings businesses into autonomous units in a bid to boost earnings. Its catalytic converter business had previously been made more independent.

Carlyle Group, Sherwin-Williams, CVC Capital Partners, Lone Star Funds, Advent, Bain Capital, Blackstone and Platinum Equity did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

($1 = 0.8812 euros)

(Reporting by Devika Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)

Key Takeaways

  • BASF is selling its coatings business valued at $6.8 billion.
  • Potential buyers include Carlyle Group and Sherwin-Williams.
  • BASF aims to boost earnings by restructuring business units.
  • Interest shown by CVC Capital Partners and Lone Star Funds.
  • BASF's finance chief discussed market exploration for buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the estimated valuation of BASF's coatings business?
BASF's coatings business is valued at approximately 6 billion euros, which is about $6.81 billion.
Who are the potential bidders for BASF's coatings unit?
Potential bidders include Carlyle Group, Sherwin-Williams, CVC Capital Partners, and several private equity firms such as Advent, Bain Capital, Blackstone, and Platinum Equity.
What strategic options is BASF exploring for its coatings division?
BASF is exploring strategic options for its coatings activities and is sounding out the market for potential buyers' interest.
When did BASF announce plans for its coatings business?
BASF announced plans to turn its coatings business into an autonomous unit in December 2023 to boost earnings.
Did BASF respond to requests for comment regarding the sale?
BASF did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the report of the sale of its coatings business.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category