BASF plans to IPO its Agricultural Solutions division on Frankfurt Stock Exchange

BASF said it plans to list its Agricultural Solutions division on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, advancing preparations for a potential initial public offering by 2027. The unit will be spun out as a Societas Europaea, giving it a standalone corporate structure while BASF retains majority ownership.

The company said the move is part of its broader portfolio strategy and is intended to establish Agricultural Solutions as an independent agricultural technology group with global operations, steady cash generation and a defined governance model. BASF will continue to participate in the subsidiary’s performance after the listing.

The company also introduced a new management board to guide the business through its transition. From May 1, 2026, the division will be led by Livio Tedeschi, currently president of BASF Agricultural Solutions, who will also join BASF SE’s executive board with responsibility for the segment. Sascha Bibert, joining from Vallourec, will oversee finance; Maximilian Becker will lead business operations; and Melanie Bausen-Wiens will take charge of technology, including regulatory and stewardship functions.

Markus Kamieth, chairman of BASF’s board of executive directors, said the changes mark “the next decisive step” in preparing the unit for public markets. He highlighted the incoming board’s mix of agricultural and capital-markets experience as central to the group’s transformation.

BASF said the separation of Agricultural Solutions into its own legal entities is underway, supported by the rollout of an agriculture-specific ERP system. The process has already been completed in North America and is expected to conclude in other regions by early 2027.

The company said the business will continue to prioritise research and development, maintain its crop protection leadership and expand its position in seeds, traits, digital tools and sustainability-focused offerings.