BASF Plans IPO for Agricultural Solutions Business
BASF has announced that it plans to list its Agricultural Solutions business on the Frankfurt stock exchange. The initial public offering (IPO) of Agricultural Solutions as a European company (Societas Europaea, SE) represents a key milestone in BASF’s “Winning Ways” strategy.
The move will establish the business as an independent, pure-play agricultural company with global reach, strong growth potential, and robust cash flow. BASF will retain majority ownership, continuing to benefit from the company’s growth while following standard corporate governance practices.
“The planned listing of our Agricultural Solutions business will mark the next decisive step to unlock additional value for our shareholders. Today, we are happy to present its Management Board, which combines extensive industry expertise with the required capital market experience," Dr. Markus Kamieth, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, said.
"We look forward to their contributions in driving the transformation of Agricultural Solutions into an independently steered pure play, which will foster a sustainable future for agriculture through accelerated innovation and enhanced customer focus.”
Starting May 1, 2026, a new Management Board will guide Agricultural Solutions through its transition to a publicly listed entity. The board includes: Dr. Livio Tedeschi (54), President of BASF Agricultural Solutions, who will lead the board and join BASF SE’s Executive Directors; Sascha Bibert (50), responsible for Finance; Maximilian Becker (39), overseeing Business; and Dr. Melanie Bausen-Wiens (50), heading Technology.
“For over a century, Agricultural Solutions has supported farmers and breeders with innovations that help them grow their crops to their full potential. As we move forward as a fully integrated company with proven strengths in crop protection, seeds and traits, digital farming, and sustainability, we are uniquely positioned to serve evolving customer needs, while continuing to advance agriculture and create sustainable, resilient food systems for generations to come," Tedeschi said.
"Together with the new Management Board and our teams worldwide, we will turn our strategy and vision into reality opening a new chapter for our business to become publicly listed.”
Agricultural Solutions is being separated into independent legal entities and introducing an industry-specific ERP system, already implemented in North America, with remaining regions expected to complete the transition by early 2027.
The company will continue investing in research and development, focusing on scaling digital and sustainable solutions, strengthening crop protection, and aiming to be among the top three players in seeds and traits worldwide.
Photo Credit: BASF