Wedoany.com Report-Dec.18, BASF SE, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, has entered into an agreement with Catexel for the sale of its optical brightening agent business. These agents are key components used in laundry detergent formulations and are presently included within BASF's Care Chemicals division. The financial terms of the deal have not been made public, with completion anticipated in the first quarter of 2026.

The transfer encompasses the global operations of this business, including the production facility for optical brightening agents located at the Monthey site in Switzerland, along with around 80 employees.

This sale aligns with BASF's ongoing strategic portfolio management. "As part of our 'Winning Ways' strategy, we are actively managing our portfolio and drive prioritization. With Catexel a committed, focused new owner will develop the business further and thereby realize its potential," said Mary Kurian, President Care Chemicals.

Catexel operates as the Care Chemicals platform of the International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG) and focuses on delivering high-quality specialty chemicals for detergents, cleaning products, personal care, and various industrial uses. Through this acquisition, Catexel is broadening its product offerings by incorporating optical brighteners, enabling it to provide customers with an expanded selection of premium detergent ingredients and reinforcing its role as a dependable supplier in the sector.

Dr. Alexander Snell, President & CEO of Catexel, states: "This acquisition marks another milestone for Catexel. With the state-of-the-art production facility and the experienced team in Switzerland, we are laying the foundation for further growth and innovation. This strengthens our position as a reliable partner for our customers and drives our strategic direction forward."

The transaction allows BASF to streamline its operations while concentrating resources on core areas of strength. For Catexel, the integration of the Monthey production site and its skilled workforce represents a significant step toward enhancing manufacturing capabilities and supporting continued product development.

Optical brightening agents play an important role in improving the appearance of fabrics by absorbing ultraviolet light and re-emitting it as visible blue light, creating a brighter and cleaner look in laundry applications. The business has established a strong international presence, serving detergent manufacturers worldwide.

By transferring ownership to a specialized platform like Catexel, the operations are positioned for dedicated focus and potential expansion under an owner with deep expertise in the care chemicals field. The move reflects broader industry trends toward portfolio optimization and specialization among chemical companies.

Both parties view the agreement as mutually beneficial, enabling BASF to advance its strategic priorities while providing Catexel with valuable assets to accelerate growth in the detergent ingredients market. The transition is expected to proceed smoothly, with the Swiss facility continuing to operate as a center of excellence for optical brightener production following the closing in early 2026.