BASF Agrees to Sell Silicates Business to PQ

BASF has signed an agreement for the sale of BASF’s silicates business, including assets at the Düsseldorf/Holthausen site, to PQ. 

PQ is a supplier of silicates, silica, and derivative products, with worldwide reach. Silicates are versatile inorganic materials used in a wide range of everyday and industrial applications.

Per 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.

“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.”

Subject to customary closing conditions such as regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to be completed in H2 2026. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.