Ein neuer Megakonzern soll die deutsche Chemieindustrie aus der Krise führen. Kritiker befürchten jedoch einen «Ausverkauf des Ruhrgebiets»
BASF will den Konkurrenten Evonik übernehmen. Beide Unternehmen sind Symbole für ganze Wirtschaftsregionen. Die Politik muss der Fusion aber zustimmen – und hat dabei widersprüchliche Interessen.
BASF, the largest German chemical company, is aiming to revive the country's chemical industry by acquiring Evonik, a rival company. The proposed merger would create a new megacorporation that aims to compete against Asian competitors through innovation in areas like cosmetics. However, critics fear that the acquisition could lead to job losses, particularly in the Ruhr region, which is central to the area's industrial identity.
The RAG foundation, a majority shareholder in Evonik, is in a conflict of interest as it finances the company's obligations from its departure from coal mining. Adding to the political tension is the fact that the state minister-president of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, must decide on the takeover before the upcoming Landtag elections.
BASF seems to be on the right track after a restructuring, but there are concerns about the company's commitment to its German roots and the impact on the Ruhr region.
Written by urgent.news from NZZ Wirtschaft's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
