Chemical conglomerate BASF is aiming for a very high valuation when preparing to list its agricultural business on the stock exchange. According to reports cited by the Handelsblatt referencing financial and corporate circles, the division could potentially be valued between 20 and 30 billion euros. An insider described the potential transaction as a “mega-deal.”
The corporation plans to take the pesticide and seed business public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in 2027, though only a minority stake will be offered. The percentage of this stake has not yet been determined. A valuation in the 20 to 30 billion euro range would be significant, especially considering that the agricultural segment currently accounts for less than one-sixth of BASF’s total sales, which are close to 60 billion euros.
The actual timing of the agricultural unit’s IPO in the first half of 2027 remains contingent upon the capital market environment. Insiders have indicated that no concrete timeline has been set. However, a second-quarter listing is considered the more probable timing. Financial circles suggest that investment banks for the IPO are expected to be selected by autumn, a move BASF has confirmed to the Handelsblatt after engaging with several institutions.
