By Jamie Martin
BASF is preparing to list its Agricultural Solutions division on the Frankfurt stock exchange, marking a significant step in its “Winning Ways” strategy. The IPO of Agricultural Solutions as a European company (Societas Europaea, SE) will create an independent, pure-play agricultural firm with global operations, strong growth prospects, and solid cash flow.
BASF will remain the majority shareholder, maintaining its stake in the company’s growth while implementing market-standard corporate governance.
“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.”
Effective May 1, 2026, a new Management Board will take charge of Agricultural Solutions, including Dr. Livio Tedeschi (54) as Head of the Board, Sascha Bibert (50) for Finance, Maximilian Becker (39) for Business, and Dr. Melanie Bausen-Wiens (50) for Technology.
“For over a century, Agricultural Solutions has supported farmers and breeders with innovations that help them grow their crops to their full potential," Tedeschi added.
"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. 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.”
The company is separating Agricultural Solutions into its own legal entities and rolling out an industry-specific ERP system, which has already been implemented in North America. The remaining regions are set to transition by early 2027.
Agricultural Solutions will maintain its focus on research and development, digital and sustainable business models, and crop protection, while aiming to be among the top three players in the global seeds and traits market.
Photo Credit: istock-primeimages
Categories: National