Freiwilliges Übernahmeangebot: BASF-Interesse an Evonik: SPD schlägt Landesbeteiligung vor

In the debate surrounding BASF's takeover plans for the chemical company Evonik, the oppositional SPD has proposed state involvement in North Rhine-Westphalia. The government should examine whether the state itself would become a shareholder in Evonik, "and thus RAG Foundation and Land NRW would control over 50 percent plus X of the group," according to an amendment to the state legislature.

According to the SPD, this issue will be debated in the coming week's plenary session. Earlier, the "Manager Magazin" reported on the proposal. "The state would not only reinforce the importance of the company for the Ruhr area, but also become its own stability anchor," said SPD faction leader Jochen Ott to the magazine. Currently, the RAG Foundation, which finances the consequences of German coal mining, controls around 43 percent of Evonik shares.

The faction demands the retention of Evonik's independence. The state government's industrial interest must focus on "preserving and further developing Evonik as a strong and independent group with a company headquarters, employment, and essential decision-making functions in North Rhine-Westphalia," it said. The SPD insists that any takeover must be connected to investments, secure jobs, and long-term prospects for the sites.

Should a sale or takeover still be pursued, the state government must ensure that binding agreements are made to protect employment, locations, and investments. "Dismissals related to business conditions, the reduction of jobs, and the closure or relocation of essential business areas should be excluded for a sustainable period," demands the SPD.

The Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia is a member of the Kuratorium of the RAG Foundation. "The state thus has direct access to the discussions about the future of one of its most important industrial companies," emphasized the SPD.